The Rand Corporation released this provocative and insightful 213-page study in late February 2008, and it's one that policy makers and academics will find well worth a look. The report takes a close look at the role of women in the recent reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and its impact. While some development agencies have argued that pursuing a stronger role for women in nation-building "too soon" will lead to instability, Rand researchers say that their work suggests otherwise. The study suggests that "nations should place a greater emphasis on the broader concept of human security from the earliest phase of nation-building efforts." The study was sponsored by the government of Qatar and conducted within the Rand National Security Research Division's Initiative for Middle Eastern Youth and the Center for Middle East Public Policy.