Mr. Carter leads the class this Sunday, as well as Feb. 3, 17 and 24; and March 2, 9, 23 and 30.

'Our choice'

The founder of Afghanistan's first women's magazine, Aina-E-Zan, or Women's Mirror, has this to say about the burqa: "It doesn't matter who orders us to wear it. The Taliban, the husband, a mother or father. It should be our choice."

Shukria Barakza, a native of Kabul and member of the Afghanistan parliament, appeared at the National Press Club yesterday at the invitation of the Independent Women's Forum. She and other Afghan female leaders took the opportunity to discuss the security situation in their country, and how women can contribute to stability.

Manager needed

Former Virginia governor-turned-U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner is appealing to voters by drawing attention to President Bush's "mismanaged war in Iraq."

The Democrat says in a fundraising letter that the country needs "a responsible plan to bring our troops home."

Mr. Warner, an Alexandria resident, says the nation also requires a 21st-century energy plan that creates jobs, reduces dependence on Middle East oil and addresses climate change.