In a bid to meet my paper deadline this Friday, I instructed myself sternly not to blog until my word count struck the requisite 8,000.

However, I must renege on my deal to share this story, as it makes my blood boil and eyes spin with incandescence to the point of distraction:

Attackers in Afghanistan have sprayed acid in the faces of at least 15 girls near a school in Kandahar, police say.

Doctors say the six girls were wearing Islamic burkas or veils which provided them with some protection.

Correspondents say the attack is likely to have been carried out by those opposed to the education of women.

“We were going to school on foot when two unknown people on a motorcycle came close to us and threw acid in our faces,” 16-year-old Atifa told the BBC.

“I want to ask the government why they cannot protect us, we girls want to study but the government is not helping us. We want better security.”

“I don’t know why they did it,” she said. “Kandahar is not safe. But we can’t stay at home, we want an education.” [Full story]

The inhumanity is epic: they are merely young girls striving for an education to enable themselves to achieve a better life in the dire conditions into which they have been thrust.

For every woman striving to gain rights and equality for the women of their country, there seems to be a counter force to evoke as much disgust and horror, as the good inspire awe and admiration.

The motivation behind the attacks will doubtless transpire over the coming days; for now, however, it is unlikely that the attackers comprehend that their impetus – be it religious or political – is a false one.