Why the Taliban Is Still My Enemy
Whatever Joe Biden says, for the women who were beaten, forced to quit school, and bartered in marriage, and civilians who were deprived of freedom, the extremist group remains a threat to humanity and progress, says Afghan-American author Fariba Nawa. The Taliban may no longer be America’s enemy but they remain an enemy to me—an Afghan-American woman who was …
Read MoreBilingual and struggling
A bilingual parent tries to keep a native tongue alive at home, a problem faced by many immigrants. By Fariba NawaOctober 18, 2011The Christian Science Monitor Newark, Calif.My daughter Bonoo Zahra, age 3, began preschool in August, and my worst fear about her education in the United States is coming true – English is invading her speech. Before she began …
Read MoreAfghanistan the New Mexico?: Assassinations and the Drug Trade
Fariba Nawa and Matthew DuPéeAug 02, 2011New America Media In the last few months, the Afghan drug trade has entered a new phase of power struggles that could lead to the sort of violence that plagues Mexicans on a daily basis. The trigger has been four key assassinations of government officials who were alleged drug barons. Their deaths have already …
Read MoreThe rising demand for overseas television: America’s United Nations of cable TV
Satellite TV lets immigrants cocoon in their own culture. Does it also alienate? By Fariba NawaJune 27, 2011 The Christian Science Monitor Fremont, Calif. Afghan immigrants Fatima Majeed and Naseer Ahmadi watch an average of eight hours of television a day in their suburban three-bedroom apartment while their four sons and daughter go to school, work, and carry on with …
Read MoreI can make a difference – if I can stay alive
Mozhdah Jamalzadah, late twenties, Kabul’s answer to Oprah, on dodging bombs, fending off death threats and inspiring young Afghans Interview by Fariba Nawa June 19, 2011Sunday Times Magazine (UK) ***I wake to the dewy scent of winter and the aroma of meat stew and cumin rice wafting from my kitchen. I’m not an early riser. My eyes open about 10 …
Read MoreOsama bin Laden’s death can hurt Afghanistan
By Fariba NawaMay 04, 2011 The San Francisco Chronicle As an Afghan American who grew up in both Herat, Afghanistan, and Fremont, I have a dual perspective on the death of Osama bin Laden. Most of my Afghan colleagues and friends are delighted that bin Laden is dead. But many, including me, think his death could harm Afghanistan more than …
Read MoreThe ghosts of Pul-e-Charkhi
Since the Taliban were ousted, 86 mass graves have been uncovered in Afghanistan — their occupants the victims of torture and murder. Fariba Nawa went in search of her uncle — a professor who dared to teach
Read MoreWith aid of S.F. man’s project, Afghan women risk lives for a song
At a clandestine music school sponsored in part by a San Francisco resident, male students come and go through the front door while their female counterparts enter through a dark hallway.
Read MoreAn Afghan village girl blossoms in the city
She ran from an arranged marriage into a Western household.
Read MoreExpatriate leaves San Jose to give micro-loans to poor Afghan women
Katrin Fakiri’s office is a constant rush of phone calls, e-mail messages, and people entering and leaving. On a wall, a framed picture of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with Fakiri and several other women hangs crookedly.
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