About Me

A brief biography of Damon Vaughn

The dangers of traveling through Afghanistan’s drug trail

For five years, I traveled on the bumpy roads of Afghanistan discovering the underworld of the illicit narcotics trade. I had many close calls with death, mostly having to do with bad drivers and bombed out highways, but I survived to write my book Opium Nation, just released by HarperPerennial. My biggest fear was not

The dangers of traveling through Afghanistan’s drug trail2025-04-21T13:04:43+00:00

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

Why the Taliban Is Still My Enemy2025-04-21T13:04:43+00:00

Poop, projectile and poppies

I’m learning to manage a 3-year-old, an infant and a career -- a juggling act that women in the workplace have been practicing in the U.S. for the last 60 years. With my first book on the Afghan poppy trade about to launch, marketing is a full-time job. But my motherly duties come first. Just

Poop, projectile and poppies2025-04-21T13:04:43+00:00

Mr. President, please think before you speak

President Hamid Karzai has spoken up on Pakistan TV this week and I wish he hadn’t. It seems every time our torn Afghan president speaks, he contradicts a previous speech. “If fighting starts between Pakistan and the U.S., we are beside Pakistan,” Karzai responded to the question “what if … “ It was just a

Mr. President, please think before you speak2025-04-21T13:04:43+00:00

Bilingual 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

Bilingual and struggling2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00

Afghanistan 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

Afghanistan the New Mexico?: Assassinations and the Drug Trade2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00

The 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,

The rising demand for overseas television: America’s United Nations of cable TV2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00

I 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.

I can make a difference – if I can stay alive2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00

Osama 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

Osama bin Laden’s death can hurt Afghanistan2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00

Why I prefer daughters to sons

In three weeks, I’m expecting my second daughter and I couldn’t be happier that it’s a girl again – a healthy baby I hope. When I did the ultrasound for my firstborn, I was in Kabul and the doctor who informed me that my child was a girl said it under his breath because most

Why I prefer daughters to sons2025-04-21T13:04:44+00:00