Escape de Kabul

by Eberhard Muehlan

This book reveals the shadowy world of the The psychological games, the exhausting interviews and other deprivations of captivity. It also demonstrates the human spirit's amazing capacity to overcome, as demonstrated by the aid team workers and their fellow Afghan prisoners. It also reveals the untapped reservoirs of faith, courage and hope they shared with one another. The book describes the agony, the desperate prayers, the hopes, the feelings of panic during the bombings and the breathtaking suspense of the final rescue conducted by United States Special Armed Forces during the dead of night, all narrated in the own words of the aid team workers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[storytime-reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escape From Kabul presents the interesting, yet haunting first-hand accounts of the capture of aid workers by the Taliban shortly prior to 9/11. These accounts are displayed side by side in order to create a comprehensive narrative of each event and every horror they were subjected to. Generally speaking, this was handled well, producing a viable narrative that is certainly engaging. However, at times I felt that the pacing was off, and the information a little too repetitive. I don’t know if it was just me, but I sometimes felt that the references to their religion (specifically Christianity) were a little grating–there was just something about the tone that was suggestive of a slight holier-than-thou attitude; it sometimes felt that this was directed towards the Afghan people they met, not just the reader.

What I most enjoyed about this account was the insight we got into the lives of the Afghan people that these aid workers met during their capture and time at various prisons. Without a doubt, the Afghans experienced horrors on a whole other level. Yet, what I’ve taken away the most from this book is the camaraderie between the aid workers and the other prisoners–the little ways they would help each other out, be it through moral support or something else. Whilst this book is understandably focused on the aid workers because it is their story, I think it’s important in this current climate that the book doesn’t shy away from emphasising the innate goodness and kindness that the aid workers received from the Afghan people they met along the way, particularly from those much less fortunate than themselves.

Escape From Kabul acknowledges the disturbing details of what the Shelter Now aid workers were subjected to, and the complicated politics and personal relationships that governed and influenced their ordeal. This is where the book shines, when it focuses on those particularly human moments amidst the stress and violence that occurred. The true beauty of this story lies in the affection that the aid workers and Afghan people had for each other under such extreme circumstances.

[Glenn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book sitting on my shelf since it was first published in 2003.

This is a true and dramatic story of eight Shelter Now aid workers captured by the Taliban on August 5, 2001 (just pre-9/11). They spent 103 days in harsh and unforgiving prisons, not knowing if they would be released or sentenced to death. The cruelty of the Taliban in stark contrast to the beauty and patience of the Afghanistan people and the incredible love these aid workers had for them is unmistakably clear. It is difficult to believe that anyone could treat life (people, especially women) with so little value, and justify it through their legalistic practice of their faith.

Their transparent, first-hand accounts of what took place, their fears, their hopes, and their faith is challenging to say the least.

[Brijesh Bartwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: Escape from Kabul
Writer: Eberhard Muehlan, Shelter Now Organization
Reviewer: Brijesh Mohan Bartwal

This was my fourth book which is based on Aghan Land. My previous three books were an eye-opening experience for me. So, I wanted to complete this book quickly. This book is a survival story of eight foreign aid workers stuck in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. The book is successful in invoking emotions out of a reader. The storytelling method is at its best. It creates good suspense from start to finish. The last few pages are about the final rescue mission of aid workers that appeared straight out of a movie. Tension built in those pages can certainly help a reader visualize the plight of aid workers and the uncertainty of their freedom. This book introduced me to new life heroes who risk their lives time and again for the people of Afghanistan. The book has also a dimension of Christian faith under survival that may be interesting for some readers. I would say you can read this book if A) you like real-life survival story B) want to know about Afghanistan, Taliban, etc. The timeline of this book is around the Aghan invasion of the US post 9-11 terrorist attacks so a few pages are also about what was going through in the minds of aid workers while surrounded by heavy bombing of the US.

I would recommend this book because it provides hope and encouragement.

[Ned Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A case in history about the complex issue of eight aid workers who were captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. It is the situation as told by the prisoners and does not delve into politics or problems between religions.
While they were kept in conditions that were far below the standards of prisons in their own countries, they were not beaten like many of the locals, but were subjected to occasional mind games.
The interesting story that is now history, shows how the faith of an individual can provide considerable strength.
When picking the book back up it is easy to feel the bookmark was not correctly placed before putting the book down. This is due to the same incident being covered multiple times by different hostages. Not necessary for the simple manner in which the book is written.

[Jennie Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was written some while ago now, it had me on the edge of my seat. It also gave me good insight into the Afghan situation and the workings of the Taliban

[Ruth Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gruelling story of faith and captivity in Afghanistan under the Taliban.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. This was an interesting account of 8 westerners working in Afghanistan who were held capture by taliban.

[Elizabeth Suli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this down. Very well written factual account of the detention and in fact kidnapping of 8 aid workers by the Taliban.

[Pip Snort · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories like these are not ones you necessarily like. It was less dramatic than I expected, but still a wonderful work of God through the lives of 8 forignors all of whom went to Afghanistan to serve God and love the Afghan people. A worthy read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Describes the terror & horror of being held hostage in a country where the justice system is impossible