afghanistan

Chronicles the lives of three Afghans caught up in the United States' involvement with Afghanistan, including a Taliban commander, a U.S.-backed warlord, and a village housewife, and explores America's role in reviving and empowering the Taliban.

Presents an overview of the Taliban's history, ideology, origins, political power, and capabilities.

Navy SEAL Mike Ritland discusses how he started his own company to train working and protection dogs, and shares the inside story of the elite K9 warriors.

Maria Goodavage takes readers into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond develops between Lucca and Marine Corps dog handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, in what would become a legendary 400-mission career. A Specialized Search Dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name. The book describes in gritty detail Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and firefights, as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately we see how the bond between Lucca and her handlers overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas this violence ignites. Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.

Dr. Joseph serves as medical director of Morning Star Development and oversees public health, preventive health, and clinical projects in rural medical clinics in Afghanistan, providing access to those without health care options. Kidnapped by the Taliban on December 5, 2012 while on the way back to Kabul, Afghanistan came as a shock and Dr. Joseph hoped for a quick death when the time came. But first he had to endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Fortunately he was freed four days later in a daring rescue by a SEAL Team Six.

An analysis of threats to the security of the Afghan people while the Taliban and al Qaeda remain a problem, covering social issues, women's rights, livelihoods, natural resources, labor, income, international humanitarian aid, and traditional, formal, and customary systems of justice in the region.

Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer describe their work as missionaries in Afghanistan, discuss their experiences after being arrested by the ruling Taliban government for telling people about Jesus, and tell about their rescue in November 2001 by U.S. Special Forces.

Farah Ahmedi, the victim of a land mine when she was just twelve years old, tells about her childhood in Afghanistan, a country trapped in war her entire life, and discusses the challenges she has faced as a result of losing her leg, and in trying to adapt to living in the United States.

Shannon Galpin left her career, sold her house, launched a nonprofit and committed her life to advancing education and opportunity for women and girls. Focusing on the war-torn country of Afghanistan, Galpin and her organization, Mountain2Mountain, have touched the lives of hundreds of men, women and children. As if launching a nonprofit wasn't enough, in 2009 Galpin became the first woman to ride a mountain bike in Afghanistan. Now she's using that initial bike ride to gain awareness around the country, encouraging people to use their bikes "as a vehicle for social change and justice to support a country where women don't have the right to ride a bike.".

In the middle of the salt-frosted Afghan desert, in a village that Google can't find, sits a woman who weaves thousands of threads into a carpet. Anna Badkhen first traveled to Afghanistan in 2001 as a war correspondent. She has returned many times, drawn by the land and the people with their exquisite traditions. Through the four seasons, a carpet is woven by the women and children of Oqa. As the carpet leaves the village and goes out to the world beyond, the indelible centuries of art, war, and daily life woven into the carpet weaves a spell that binds the invaded to the invader.