Above the Din of War: Afghans Speak About Their Lives, Their Country, and Their Futureand Why America Should Listen [Hardcover]

Most books about the war in Afghanistan examine the conflict from the perspective of a foreign correspondent, political analyst, or U.S. soldier, butAbove the Din of Warfocuses on the people of Afghanistan themselves, providing a forum in which the thoughts of everyday people can be considered. Having traveled the country for a year, Peter Eichstaedt draws out Afghans from all walks of life: a former warlord, a Taliban judge, victims of self-immolation, courageous women parliamentarians, would-be suicide bombers, besieged merchants, frightened mullahs, and desperate archaeologists. The book explores a country that both vexes and fascinates the world and relates what its people have to say about living through 30 years of continual unrest, violence, and negative international attention. From his time spent interviewing and living with the people of Afghanistan, Eichstaedt proposes American and NATO exit strategies that could avoid leaving Afghanistan mired in chaos and war. This thought-provoking title from a journalist’s point of view adds a human element to this complex international situation.

Authentic voices of Afghanistan—ones the US news media havenotbrought you—come to life through Eichstaedt’s capable reporting as compelling reading, vitally important for their future. And ours. —David Isby, author ofAfghanistan:Graveyard of Empires

 

“Above the Din of War is a critical read for anyone looking to understand what’s at stake and likely to happen as American forces leave Afghanistan in 2014.” —Tom A. Peter, Afghanistan correspondent,The Christian Science Monitor