Patriot Acts: Narratives of Post-9/11 Injustice

by Alia Malek

This book seeks to tell the life stories of the innocent men and women who have been needlessly swept up in the “war on terror.” As we approach the ten-year anniversary of 9/11, this collection of narratives gives voice to the people who have had their human rights violated here in the U.S. by post-9/11 policies and actions. Among the narrators:

Young men of Arab, Muslim, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent, who were arrested and detained or singled out for voluntary interviews because of their national origin or religion.

Scholars who have been blacklisted or subjected to interrogation for their research or writings on Islam and related topics.

Muslim women who have suffered from job discrimination, harassment, and assault for wearing a veil or similar head covering.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History

300 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2011

About the author

ALIA MALEK is an award-winning journalist and civil rights lawyer. She is the author of A Country Called Amreeka and editor of Patriot Acts and EUROPA. Her reporting has appeared in the New York Times, Foreign Policy, Nation, and Christian Science Monitor, among others.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important book that should be read by all. I also think this book would be an important text book for history classes in schools. The stories are tragic, and it saddened me to read about the illegality of what all of the men and women endured after 9/11. I was born and raised in New York City and had many Muslim friends that lived in my building and that attended high school and post graduate school (NYU) with me. The hate toward my friends post 9/11 sickened me. The ignorance and fear that was a result of the terrorist attacks was foreign to me, as I don't have a prejudice bone in my body. Reading these stories 16 years post 9/11 made me so sad and embarrassed to be an American. The suspicion cast on these innocent, smart, hard working, kind, men and women was not justified. Unless there is hard proof of terrorist ties, there is no reason to suddenly turn your back on your neighbors and friends. With that said, I was riveted by the sad tales. It was an awakening not to be overlooked. Many of the stories had repetitive incidents but each one was different and heartbreaking.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opening collection of oral histories from those affected by post-9/11 xenophobia and racism. An important and increasingly relevant book to read. This somewhat harrowing anthology effectively illuminates the injustices of the Patriot Act, and how the civil and human rights of many have been sacrificed in the name of "national security".

[Lisa Schaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well documented

Personal narratives of immigrants and practicing Muslims targeted in the worldwide War on Terror. This journalist uncovers questionable practices among agencies sworn to protect.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like any anthology, some stories are going to be more interesting than others, but overall this was great stuff and essential reading. One of the better books I've read on this subject, I just really wish that with all the books getting published on Arabs and/or Muslims in the US at least one of them would cover Debbie Almontaser's story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at Wordstock, along with another Voices of Witness book. I caught on to this series last year when I taught a unit on Zeitoun. I am just reading a story here and there in this book. It is excellent.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be taught in schools. All Americans should read it. That's a bold statement, yes, but... the book is a bold statement, or at least an eye-opener worthy of contemplation.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible collection of oral histories from folks who have suffered human rights crises after 9/11. A must read!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt a lot of sympathy for these people. Makes me ever more distrustful of the police and NSA and government agencies in general.