Come From The Shadows [Hardcover]

"Come from the Shadows" is an important and accessible read which exposes the mythology about Afghanistan, or as Terry Glavin calls the place created in popular imagination, "Absurdistan." In its place, Glavin brings to light key aspects of the "real" Afghanistan that rarely get any stage time. He gives faces and names to a few of the countless every-day heroes of Afghanistan, such as Afghan activists for democracy, women's rights, and education. He listens to the voices of the huge number of Afghan civilians who desperately appreciate the international presence and want the troops to stay, in some capacity, to keep some measure of protection against a return to fascism and a re-invasion by Pakistan and the Taliban. Mr. Glavin gives a glimpse of the tremendous potential of the new generation to begin to lead the way to a transformed Afghanistan, how they are doing just that NOW, and will continue if enough space can be maintained for them to do so.

Glavin also exposes surprising elements of the conflict that are important for Western readers and thinkers to recognize, such as the Taliban's and Pashtun nationalist (chauvinist) movement's direct historical connections to Nazi Aryanism, efforts to re-write or erase parts of Afghan history, and even cruelly executed policies designed to create a Pashtun "lebensraum." Importantly, he explains the reasons that negotiating with the Taliban is a contradiction in terms. Talibanism, much like Nazism and other extreme fascist ideologies, does not want to be negotiated with, reasoned with, or appeased. Talibanism is "a revolt against reason itself."

This book achieves a highly personal narrative with an objective, scholarly effect and a robust degree of intellectual honesty. For anyone who wishes to understand Afghanistan and its continuing relevance, examine the many deceptions and misperceptions well-meaning people can easily fall prey to, and gain a fresh perspective on why engagement is worth it, this is a must-read!!

A few memorable quotes:

"Absurdistan is a world that replaces Afghanistan with an apparatus sustained only by suspension of disbelief, a contrivance wholly impervious to the objective realities of the world in which Afghanistan actually exists."

"Evidence should matter to what we accept as the truth, and the truth should actually matter to what we believe."

"Another thing... is that the way we in the West talk about Afghanistan has meant more to the course of events in that country than all the soldiers and guns and money we've sent there since September 11. What we say matters. It will continue to matter for some long while."

"The Kabul that trundled along before my eyes was a thriving, heartbreakingly poor but hopeful and splendid place... It was a city that got knocked around, picked itself up, dusted itself off and carried on with its business."

"Everywhere is dangerous. Everywhere is safe. This is Afghanistan."

Don't think another minute. Buy two copies of this book and give one to a friend. They will thank you profusely for your thoughtful gift. Terry Glavin is one of Canada's most important writers. Given that most journalists today actually practice stenography, Terry is a throwback to something real - a journalist who actually asks the hard questions and actually goes where he needs to be. I should say up front that I am a friend of Terry's, so I am biased - but that doesn't make me wrong. "Come From The Shadows" not only gives you an accurate history of Afghanistan, but Terry takes you on a tour of the country through the eyes of Afghans. And, you'll discover a people yearning for peace and security - and people who appreciate the sacrifices that many countries have endured in the fight against savage Talibanism. Glavin also analyzes the anti-war left and this part of the book should be required reading in every school and University. Needless to say, he is disgusted that many on the left seen anxious to abandon the Afghan people - and, for some reason, resigned to the Taliban taking over again. And, as Glavin says over and over again, who can blame the Afghans for putting their bets on the Taliban when they see the West wavering and unsure in our commitment to democracy. Essential reading and once you discover Terry Glavin, you'll want to read his other books and his blog.