Gloria asked Nadia Hashimi:

I wish the book would have ended with some factual information about women's progress in Afghanistan to-date. A mention of perhaps a trustworthy organization that helps with women's rights there would have been great. The comment on the 9-11 attacks was mentally provoking. Would you consider a 2nd book I touching on the Afghanistan's view of America, Americans, and our involvement in the war?

Nadia Hashimi Thanks for this question, Gloria.

I'm glad to hear you're interested in the current state of affairs for women in Afghanistan. It's a bit of a dance. Two steps forward and one step back or sometimes the other way around. Women for Afghan Women is an organization with shelters for women throughout Afghanistan. They also share news updates and are vocal advocates for the involvement of women in all levels of government. Overall, there is an upward trajectory in women's progress. Women are parliamentarians, running for vice president, news anchors, mountain climbers, graffiti artists, singers and more. At the same time, one of the first female pilots has recently received so many threats that she's essentially been grounded. It's frustrating to watch the pioneers continually stymied by the extremists. Importantly, the current government is considering involving the Taliban in talks about the future direction of Afghanistan. Afghan women want to be at the negotiating table but the Taliban are not happy about that. It remains to be seen who wins out in this battle.

As for a second book about Afghanistan's view of America, that's not in my plans for now. I can tell you, though, that it seems most Afghans (especially the women) were sad to see the American troops withdraw from Afghanistan. Women's rights advocates felt a good deal of security came from their presence. At the same time, some people wish the US would have paid attention sooner as the Afghan people were suffering under the brutal Taliban regime. In the post-9/11 air strikes, Afghanistan suffered many civilian casualties which also contributed to the mixed bag of sentiments. There's simply no single way to describe the way Afghans feel about America.

America's involvement in Afghanistan goes back pretty far and has much to do with the Cold War. I'd recommend reading Tamim Ansary's "Games Without Rules" for a political history of the nation. His writing is not dry and provides some valuable insights into the interplay between nations.

Thanks for reading!

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