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Raising my Voice: The extraordinary story of the Afghan woman who dares to speak out
Malalai Joya is the youngest and most famous female MP in Afghanistan, whose bravery and vision have won her an international following. She made world headlines with her very first speech, in which she courageously denounced the presence of warlords in the new Afghan government. She has spoken out for justice ever since, and for the rights of women in the country she loves. "Raising My Voice" shares her extraordinary story. Born during the Russian invasion and spending her youth in refugee camps, Malalai Joya describes how she first became a political activist. When she returned to Afghanistan, the country was under the grip of the Taliban and she ran a secret school for girls. A popular MP with her constituents, she received global support when she was suspended from parliament in 2007 because of her forthright views. Malalai Joya`s work has brought her awards and death threats in equal measure. She lives in constant danger. In this gripping account, she reveals the truth about life
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
81 people are currently reading
5375 people want to read
About the author
Malalai Joya
20 books32 followersMalalai Joya (Pashto ملالۍ جویا) (born April 25, 1978) is an activist, writer and a former politician from Afghanistan. She served as a Parliamentarian in the National Assembly of Afghanistan from 2005 until early 2007, after being dismissed for publicly denouncing the presence of what she considered to be warlords and war criminals in the Afghan parliament. She is an outspoken critic of the Karzai administration and its western supporters, particularly the United States.
In 2010, Time magazine placed Malalai Joya on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Foreign Policy Magazine listed Malalai Joya in its annual list of the Top 100 Global Thinkers. On March 8, 2011, The Guardian listed her among "Top 100 women: activists and campaigners".
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malalai_...
In 2010, Time magazine placed Malalai Joya on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Foreign Policy Magazine listed Malalai Joya in its annual list of the Top 100 Global Thinkers. On March 8, 2011, The Guardian listed her among "Top 100 women: activists and campaigners".
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malalai_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
February 2, 2012
This is a very touching memoir of a very courageous young woman.
Forget about everything you thought you knew about Afghanistan.
No nation can donate liberation to another nation. These values must be fought for and won by the people themselves. ... All of our human rights have been won through struggle, and all of them can be lost through neglect.
Never before has a memoir moved me as much as Malalai Joya's Raising my Voice: The extraordinary story of the Afghan woman who dares to speak out has.
It is not the prose itself that has left a long lasting impression in me, for frankly, it does leave something behind to be desired, but you must remember that an impressing prose is not the purpose of this book. It’s purpose is to educate you and to show you what is really going on in Afghanistan, and that what it’s people really want is to have all the invading forces out of the country and fight for their own democracy and liberty on their own and to have the war criminals in the government bought to justice.
This is truly touching account of a strong, young, independent and idealistic woman, who is refusing to be silenced by her oppressive government - and rightfully so. Her book has been a real eye opener as to what the day-to-day life, and struggle, of the people of Afghanistan, is like. Poverty, oppression, illiteracy and no freedom of speech is what they are facing very day. It is truly amazing how little we in the West know and are told about what is really going on in that far away and war-torn country.
We have been led to believe, by the US and NATO, our own governments, that the current occupation by our forces is enforced for the good of the Afghan people in the name of freedom, democracy and women's rights. Nothing could be further from the truth, if you believe in Joya's words - and I do. All her verifiable stories cannot be untrue.
It is frightening to read how the US/NATO has driven the Taliban out of the country and put a puppet-government in its place. The Afghans are now ruled by a group of people that consists of war criminals, fundamentalists, warlords and drug lords. It is a government that US/NATO are still fully supporting. The MP's have no intention of giving up the power that they have been given, nor are they interested in improving the situation for those who really need it: the poor, the illiterate, the children and the women of the country.
If you involvement in bettering the situation in Afghanistan can for whatever reason only extend to reading this book, then you owe it to yourself and to the Afghan people to go out and buy yourself a copy right now and read it. All its earnings are going toward supporting humanitarian projects in the country.
I sincerely hope that Joya, who has already survived numerous assassination attempts, will survive long enough to experience democracy and freedom in her beloved country in her lifetime. She is very day putting her life at risk for while openly fighting for it.
Forget about everything you thought you knew about Afghanistan.
No nation can donate liberation to another nation. These values must be fought for and won by the people themselves. ... All of our human rights have been won through struggle, and all of them can be lost through neglect.
Never before has a memoir moved me as much as Malalai Joya's Raising my Voice: The extraordinary story of the Afghan woman who dares to speak out has.
It is not the prose itself that has left a long lasting impression in me, for frankly, it does leave something behind to be desired, but you must remember that an impressing prose is not the purpose of this book. It’s purpose is to educate you and to show you what is really going on in Afghanistan, and that what it’s people really want is to have all the invading forces out of the country and fight for their own democracy and liberty on their own and to have the war criminals in the government bought to justice.
This is truly touching account of a strong, young, independent and idealistic woman, who is refusing to be silenced by her oppressive government - and rightfully so. Her book has been a real eye opener as to what the day-to-day life, and struggle, of the people of Afghanistan, is like. Poverty, oppression, illiteracy and no freedom of speech is what they are facing very day. It is truly amazing how little we in the West know and are told about what is really going on in that far away and war-torn country.
We have been led to believe, by the US and NATO, our own governments, that the current occupation by our forces is enforced for the good of the Afghan people in the name of freedom, democracy and women's rights. Nothing could be further from the truth, if you believe in Joya's words - and I do. All her verifiable stories cannot be untrue.
It is frightening to read how the US/NATO has driven the Taliban out of the country and put a puppet-government in its place. The Afghans are now ruled by a group of people that consists of war criminals, fundamentalists, warlords and drug lords. It is a government that US/NATO are still fully supporting. The MP's have no intention of giving up the power that they have been given, nor are they interested in improving the situation for those who really need it: the poor, the illiterate, the children and the women of the country.
If you involvement in bettering the situation in Afghanistan can for whatever reason only extend to reading this book, then you owe it to yourself and to the Afghan people to go out and buy yourself a copy right now and read it. All its earnings are going toward supporting humanitarian projects in the country.
I sincerely hope that Joya, who has already survived numerous assassination attempts, will survive long enough to experience democracy and freedom in her beloved country in her lifetime. She is very day putting her life at risk for while openly fighting for it.
December 16, 2019
Review from 2009
This is a useful and interesting book that made me consider the kinds of "governments" that western powers sometimes prop up. Having said that, if you are unfamiliar (as I am) with the history of Afghanistan and the ever-changing situation there since 911, this is a challenging text to read. I couldn’t keep track of the multiple warlords who play(ed) key roles in the corrupt government, and I certainly needed more background information about the figures in the Afghan parliament than the author provides here.
The author writes powerfully about the Afghan government’s heinous crimes against women, children, and the poor of the country. Her book makes one question what the role of other nations should be with respect to this country. How can the West really support this war-torn place? How can the most downtrodden be protected?
A skilled co-writer and better editing might have helped this become a clearer, more illuminating work. Having heard a number of interviews with Joya, a charismatic and galvanizing woman, I was surprised at some of the details and word choices here. The book gives the impression that Joya stands alone against the corrupt, that she is the only one who knows the truth about Islamic fundamentalists. Few other democratic Afghan voices are heard. Given her political success and the support she has received from the Afghan people, Joya has surely met with other thoughtful and dedicated "freedom fighters." It would have been appropriate to hear about them here. On another note: the frequent use of the word "martyrs" is frankly concerning and requires clarification for a western audience.
This is a useful and interesting book that made me consider the kinds of "governments" that western powers sometimes prop up. Having said that, if you are unfamiliar (as I am) with the history of Afghanistan and the ever-changing situation there since 911, this is a challenging text to read. I couldn’t keep track of the multiple warlords who play(ed) key roles in the corrupt government, and I certainly needed more background information about the figures in the Afghan parliament than the author provides here.
The author writes powerfully about the Afghan government’s heinous crimes against women, children, and the poor of the country. Her book makes one question what the role of other nations should be with respect to this country. How can the West really support this war-torn place? How can the most downtrodden be protected?
A skilled co-writer and better editing might have helped this become a clearer, more illuminating work. Having heard a number of interviews with Joya, a charismatic and galvanizing woman, I was surprised at some of the details and word choices here. The book gives the impression that Joya stands alone against the corrupt, that she is the only one who knows the truth about Islamic fundamentalists. Few other democratic Afghan voices are heard. Given her political success and the support she has received from the Afghan people, Joya has surely met with other thoughtful and dedicated "freedom fighters." It would have been appropriate to hear about them here. On another note: the frequent use of the word "martyrs" is frankly concerning and requires clarification for a western audience.
July 7, 2016
First off let me say, there have been 2 versions of this book released. I just bought it for my Kindle last week, so I have the latest edition. I did not find the writing as objectionable as some reviewers have. I'm sure as in most books there are areas where it could be improved, but it was not a distraction to me at all.
There are many extraordinary men and women in this world and this book is the story of one of them. Although Malalai Joya is a young woman, she has an important story to tell. Born into war-torn Afghanistan, she was fortunate to have a father who was educated and wanted his children to be educated as well - an estimated 80% of Afghan women are illiterate. Her father also instilled in her a love of democracy.
Malalai Joya is not her real name, but it is the name she goes by in most areas of her life in order to protect her family. Born in 1978, she has never known a time when her country was not at war. In A Woman Among Warlords, Joya describes her life in rural Afghanistan, refugee camps in both Iran and Pakistan, teaching in underground schools for girls, and finally being elected to the new Parliament only to be ejected for speaking out. Her life is constantly in danger, and although she has traveled outside of Afghanistan to speak and carry her message, she won't consider staying out of the country. Love for the real Afghanistan, the people, comes through on every page.
The book gives a brief history of Afghanistan to fill in background for the current struggle. She speaks knowledgeably about the roles other governments have played in this history and credits the research team who helped her gather this information. I have read several other books about Afghanistan and the facts are consistent with what I've read.
Although the book carries a message of hope, it is not a feel good book. She conveys a picture of the horrors that the Afghan people have had to endure and is critical of the people who have brought it about. This includes both Afghans such as the warlords and the president Hamid Karzai, but also the former Soviet Union and the current US/NATO occupation. However, just as she is able to distinguish between the Afghan government and the people of Afghanistan, she distinguishes between the people of western countries and their governments. Joya is thankful for being able to carry her message to Europe and the US, and for the help she has received from some western organizations.
The message could sound hopeless, but she doesn't see it that way. In the last chapter Joya gives suggestions to people who want to help. As an American, I have often wondered how we could leave Afghanistan with so many problems, many of which we caused, knowing that there are so many warring factions. Joya is insistent that, if democracy is to be attained in Afghanistan, it will be because the people secure it for themselves. The message I get from this book is that yes they would like our help, but from a distance.
There are many extraordinary men and women in this world and this book is the story of one of them. Although Malalai Joya is a young woman, she has an important story to tell. Born into war-torn Afghanistan, she was fortunate to have a father who was educated and wanted his children to be educated as well - an estimated 80% of Afghan women are illiterate. Her father also instilled in her a love of democracy.
Malalai Joya is not her real name, but it is the name she goes by in most areas of her life in order to protect her family. Born in 1978, she has never known a time when her country was not at war. In A Woman Among Warlords, Joya describes her life in rural Afghanistan, refugee camps in both Iran and Pakistan, teaching in underground schools for girls, and finally being elected to the new Parliament only to be ejected for speaking out. Her life is constantly in danger, and although she has traveled outside of Afghanistan to speak and carry her message, she won't consider staying out of the country. Love for the real Afghanistan, the people, comes through on every page.
The book gives a brief history of Afghanistan to fill in background for the current struggle. She speaks knowledgeably about the roles other governments have played in this history and credits the research team who helped her gather this information. I have read several other books about Afghanistan and the facts are consistent with what I've read.
Although the book carries a message of hope, it is not a feel good book. She conveys a picture of the horrors that the Afghan people have had to endure and is critical of the people who have brought it about. This includes both Afghans such as the warlords and the president Hamid Karzai, but also the former Soviet Union and the current US/NATO occupation. However, just as she is able to distinguish between the Afghan government and the people of Afghanistan, she distinguishes between the people of western countries and their governments. Joya is thankful for being able to carry her message to Europe and the US, and for the help she has received from some western organizations.
The message could sound hopeless, but she doesn't see it that way. In the last chapter Joya gives suggestions to people who want to help. As an American, I have often wondered how we could leave Afghanistan with so many problems, many of which we caused, knowing that there are so many warring factions. Joya is insistent that, if democracy is to be attained in Afghanistan, it will be because the people secure it for themselves. The message I get from this book is that yes they would like our help, but from a distance.
February 1, 2013
Malalai Joya has outsized courage. She has experienced trauma and seen brutality and grinding poverty on a scale we who live under stable governments cannot imagine. Just knowing that carrying a book inside your burka can cost you your life is an outrageous thought. She braved this and more to share her education. Later she used her courage on the local and world stages.
It is painful to know that the perpetrators of the destruction of Kabul, those who murdered innocents and those who made and enforced the draconian laws against women came to power in a "democracy". It must be horrible for the average citizens, all who are bereaved in some way.
Joya was very young to be elected to the Loya Jirgha. Was it wise to begin her tenure with such open criticism? Here in the west, it is not a way to begin a new job or be effective in politics. But, none of us is facing colleagues who months earlier ordered or participated in the murder of innocent people and the destruction of cities. How does a sane and compassionate person respond to this?
If only by defining the people in charge Joya shows how corrupt and anti-democratic the leaders are. Karzai's first choice for Chief Justice told NPR that he supports beheading for un-Islamic behavior and Karzai's top drug advisor spent 4 years in a Nevada prison for selling heroin. The governor Karzai appointed to Joya's home district was believed by residents to be a war criminal, and later, believed to have attacked its orphanage and clinic. While there are no courts to prove or disprove their beliefs, couldn't Karzai find a governor with a better reputation? These are only a few examples.
The US, pouring $ billions into the country, did not want to hear bad news. Good news stories about roads, hospitals and schools continue to emanate from the country. Many, like Barbara Bush, believe (or want to believe, or have a vested interest in the public believing) that all girls and boys can now go to school and that there is a functioning economy and legal system.
It may be that President Obama has gotten the message. In March he made a surprise visit to give stern words to Karzai. In this book Karzai appears to be hapless. He is sympathetic listener but he does nothing. (Some say he is a user of Afghanistan's major export, and while this book does not hint of that, his behavior does.) I presume he listened sympathetically to President Obama, but when he does nothing, what will President Obama do with a country so out of control? Joya says the US should leave immediately, but also says for this to work the warlords must be disarmed... a major Catch 22.
This was a very enlightening book. The specific examples she cites helps to put the pieces (left out by the media) together. The book needs and editor. Some information is repeated. Some topics need more introduction. Some of the material is presented in a way it is hard for western readers to pull context. While the qualities of the book put it in the 3 to 4 star category, I give it the full 5 stars for the specificity of the information and the courageous work of the author.
It is painful to know that the perpetrators of the destruction of Kabul, those who murdered innocents and those who made and enforced the draconian laws against women came to power in a "democracy". It must be horrible for the average citizens, all who are bereaved in some way.
Joya was very young to be elected to the Loya Jirgha. Was it wise to begin her tenure with such open criticism? Here in the west, it is not a way to begin a new job or be effective in politics. But, none of us is facing colleagues who months earlier ordered or participated in the murder of innocent people and the destruction of cities. How does a sane and compassionate person respond to this?
If only by defining the people in charge Joya shows how corrupt and anti-democratic the leaders are. Karzai's first choice for Chief Justice told NPR that he supports beheading for un-Islamic behavior and Karzai's top drug advisor spent 4 years in a Nevada prison for selling heroin. The governor Karzai appointed to Joya's home district was believed by residents to be a war criminal, and later, believed to have attacked its orphanage and clinic. While there are no courts to prove or disprove their beliefs, couldn't Karzai find a governor with a better reputation? These are only a few examples.
The US, pouring $ billions into the country, did not want to hear bad news. Good news stories about roads, hospitals and schools continue to emanate from the country. Many, like Barbara Bush, believe (or want to believe, or have a vested interest in the public believing) that all girls and boys can now go to school and that there is a functioning economy and legal system.
It may be that President Obama has gotten the message. In March he made a surprise visit to give stern words to Karzai. In this book Karzai appears to be hapless. He is sympathetic listener but he does nothing. (Some say he is a user of Afghanistan's major export, and while this book does not hint of that, his behavior does.) I presume he listened sympathetically to President Obama, but when he does nothing, what will President Obama do with a country so out of control? Joya says the US should leave immediately, but also says for this to work the warlords must be disarmed... a major Catch 22.
This was a very enlightening book. The specific examples she cites helps to put the pieces (left out by the media) together. The book needs and editor. Some information is repeated. Some topics need more introduction. Some of the material is presented in a way it is hard for western readers to pull context. While the qualities of the book put it in the 3 to 4 star category, I give it the full 5 stars for the specificity of the information and the courageous work of the author.
September 14, 2010
This is a book that definitely deserves to be read as it contains very important information about the reality of life inside Afghanistan written by a very dedicated and brave woman.
She rightly points out that we in the west following mainstream media really have no concept of the reality of what is occurring every day in Afghanistan. It's a wake-up call and forced me to start considering what NATO forces are really trying to acheive there.
The reason I only gave it two stars is not from what Malalai Joya has to relate, but for the way her story and passions are told in this book. It's a very dry read and towards the end I found the style becoming more and more repetetive. You get a feeling of being told "this happened and then that happened" and so on.
She rightly points out that we in the west following mainstream media really have no concept of the reality of what is occurring every day in Afghanistan. It's a wake-up call and forced me to start considering what NATO forces are really trying to acheive there.
The reason I only gave it two stars is not from what Malalai Joya has to relate, but for the way her story and passions are told in this book. It's a very dry read and towards the end I found the style becoming more and more repetetive. You get a feeling of being told "this happened and then that happened" and so on.
June 26, 2011
This should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to understand Afghanistan. Malalai Joya was the youngest member of Afghanistan's first post-Taliban Parliament, and her story is as shocking as it is inspiring. It's not a gentle book; Joya doesn't pull any punches, no matter what aspect of her country's dire situation she's addressing. This can be hard for an American reader, but when you think about the fact that the woman criticizing the NATO operation so mercilessly on paper has also risked her life to criticize brutal warlords to their faces, then it seems only fair to take your lumps. However, I think the best thing about this memoir is the picture it paints of the Afghan people as lovers of true democracy who are willing to risk their stability, their happiness, and their lives to support the democratic dream. It's a pity they can't get access to NATO as easily as the warlords...and a pity that NATO has chosen to ignore Malalai Joya, who is a honest, if abrasive, voice.
November 16, 2009
I recently heard Joya interviewed on the radio and that is what prompted me to read this book. Figured it was about time that I learned a little bit more about Afghanistan from something other than filtered western news. Really, this is an incredible and inspiring story of one woman's courage and determination to stand up to the criminal and thuggish nature of those in power in Afghanistan. I am awed. She does not paint a pretty picture either of politics in her own country or of the presence/policies of the West. The writing was uneven at times. I thought the most effective and powerful points in the book were when she was telling her own story. In an attempt to help readers understand the many and complicated layers of the history and current situation of Afghanistan Joya goes off on some tangents. In the last 30 pages it felt more like a diatribe. While I understand her need to do this I felt like it took away from her story. All in all I'm very glad to have read this. Joya's passion to speak the truth is amazing and important and urgent.
February 4, 2015
This is the best of the six books I have now read on women in Afghanistan. Joya is an activist who was elected to the Loya Jirga (the Afghan Parliament) but prevented from speaking and then expelled for criticizing the warlords who still control the country with the support of the US occupation.
I began my reading on Afghanistan with the book of another member of the legislature, Fawzia Koofi, which is the book for the Utah State Library book discussion this month. Although I was impressed by Koofi's descriptions of the crimes of the Jehadi as well as the Taliban, I had many reservations about the way she seemed to be supporting the US position that democracy is going forward in Afghanistan despite obstacles and "corruption", and her positive statements about Northern Alliance leaders like Rabbani and Massoud who were brutal fundamentalists not really any better than the Taliban. I decided to read these other books, all of which have a quite different view.
Joya actually lists Koofi second in a list of pro-government women who are always brought out to foreign visitors and media as proof of "dmocracy." I have no doubt that it takes courage even to be a woman politician in Afghanistan today, and make even the unspecific and "polite" criticism of corruption that Koofi makes, and that she does risk her life doing it. But Joya is taking far more risks for her outspoken comments on specific warlords who dominate the Kargai regime and most of the countryside.
All five of the books I have read other than Koofi's mention RAWA as one of the central pro-woman and pro-democracy organizations; two were specifically about RAWA and Meena, its martyred leader. Although Joya specifically denies being a RAWA member (this has been an accusation against her, since the organization is hated by the fundamentalists and operates underground) she expresses in many places her support to RAWA's positions, and says she would join RAWA if she joined any organization.
This book says what the Western media does not, explaining how the US and its allies have deliberately supported the warlords and kept them in power, while hypocritically claiming to support democracy and women's liberation. She is specific, giving the past histories and present activities of many of the chief officials in the Kargai regime.
I wish Americans who think they know what our government is doing over there would read this book.
I began my reading on Afghanistan with the book of another member of the legislature, Fawzia Koofi, which is the book for the Utah State Library book discussion this month. Although I was impressed by Koofi's descriptions of the crimes of the Jehadi as well as the Taliban, I had many reservations about the way she seemed to be supporting the US position that democracy is going forward in Afghanistan despite obstacles and "corruption", and her positive statements about Northern Alliance leaders like Rabbani and Massoud who were brutal fundamentalists not really any better than the Taliban. I decided to read these other books, all of which have a quite different view.
Joya actually lists Koofi second in a list of pro-government women who are always brought out to foreign visitors and media as proof of "dmocracy." I have no doubt that it takes courage even to be a woman politician in Afghanistan today, and make even the unspecific and "polite" criticism of corruption that Koofi makes, and that she does risk her life doing it. But Joya is taking far more risks for her outspoken comments on specific warlords who dominate the Kargai regime and most of the countryside.
All five of the books I have read other than Koofi's mention RAWA as one of the central pro-woman and pro-democracy organizations; two were specifically about RAWA and Meena, its martyred leader. Although Joya specifically denies being a RAWA member (this has been an accusation against her, since the organization is hated by the fundamentalists and operates underground) she expresses in many places her support to RAWA's positions, and says she would join RAWA if she joined any organization.
This book says what the Western media does not, explaining how the US and its allies have deliberately supported the warlords and kept them in power, while hypocritically claiming to support democracy and women's liberation. She is specific, giving the past histories and present activities of many of the chief officials in the Kargai regime.
I wish Americans who think they know what our government is doing over there would read this book.
November 25, 2012
This challenged my beliefs and made me think. A lot. Malalai Joya is a young Afghan who showed her courage by teaching young girls when the Taliban made it illegal. Her bravery has continued, many of her friends and allies have been assasanaited or imprisoned yet Malali has continued to speak out .
What is challenging is her argument is that the US and UN have put warlords in control of Afghanistan and those warlords are not much better than the Taliban. She cites many examples who either cooperated with Soviet Union or murdered many Afghans between Soviet and Taliban rule or cooperated with the Taliban. She cites one example of someone who helped some of the planners of 9/11 locate to Afghanistan who is now in a position of power.
Malalai describes her election to the Afghan parliament, the attempts to muzzle her and the subsequent suspension of her from the Parliament. She also describes the huge corruption in Afghanistan today and how most aid goes into the pockets of corrupt leaders.
In the second half of the book her stridency and loss of focus on what could be done to help Afghans started to wear. Some of her proposals seem questionable such as end of American involvement in Afghanistan while at the same time arguing that warlords should be banished from power. I was left wondering who would lead that charge without American support, though I believe she would argue that the Afghans are better off dealing with these issues on their own without any foreign involvement. She also seemed to get somewhat polemic, her endorsement of Hugo Chavez for example was very jarring coming from someone who is arguing for free speech and democracy(though she does critisize Chavez for his embrace of the Iranian government)
But even if I question agreeing to all her arguments I was certainly challenged by her arguments. I am also very disturbed that she was kicked out of Parliament after being elected and for only expressing her opinion. It is also disturbing to read of the war's impact on Afghan civilians.
In the final analysis, this book challenged me and made me think as few books have
What is challenging is her argument is that the US and UN have put warlords in control of Afghanistan and those warlords are not much better than the Taliban. She cites many examples who either cooperated with Soviet Union or murdered many Afghans between Soviet and Taliban rule or cooperated with the Taliban. She cites one example of someone who helped some of the planners of 9/11 locate to Afghanistan who is now in a position of power.
Malalai describes her election to the Afghan parliament, the attempts to muzzle her and the subsequent suspension of her from the Parliament. She also describes the huge corruption in Afghanistan today and how most aid goes into the pockets of corrupt leaders.
In the second half of the book her stridency and loss of focus on what could be done to help Afghans started to wear. Some of her proposals seem questionable such as end of American involvement in Afghanistan while at the same time arguing that warlords should be banished from power. I was left wondering who would lead that charge without American support, though I believe she would argue that the Afghans are better off dealing with these issues on their own without any foreign involvement. She also seemed to get somewhat polemic, her endorsement of Hugo Chavez for example was very jarring coming from someone who is arguing for free speech and democracy(though she does critisize Chavez for his embrace of the Iranian government)
But even if I question agreeing to all her arguments I was certainly challenged by her arguments. I am also very disturbed that she was kicked out of Parliament after being elected and for only expressing her opinion. It is also disturbing to read of the war's impact on Afghan civilians.
In the final analysis, this book challenged me and made me think as few books have
November 13, 2016
an important book in that it highlights the reality in Afghanistan that is not told in the mainstream media. She gives some of the history too which is new to me and helped me understand the current situation. There is no doubt she is extraordinarily brave to stand up for the rights of women and justice in a country where opening her mouth is immediate suicide, and incredibly tenacious and passionate in her goals to get as far as being an MP - the fact she is still alive shows she has a lot of grassroots support. She is doing amazing work however one thing I do not agree with her is her belief that as soon as foreign powers go, Afghanistan can be on the road to true democracy. She herself mentions briefly in the history telling parts of the book that there have been widespread reforms before earlier in the 20th century which she points out in a positive way as they did so themselves without any help from outside, which is true, but equally true is that the people with their strong Islamic / religious culture (and I'm not talking about fundamentalists) quickly became 'disillusioned' with these more liberal dictators and paved the way for less progressive rulers. So, Afghanistan may eventually become a liberal modern country but it's geographical position and religious culture will make this road long. Other reasons I gave this book only 3 stars is that she mentioned a few times as an equivalent situation the 'persecuted Palestinians' from the 'aggressive Israeli occupiers' and the terrible lives and predicament of the poor Palestinian children - this kind of biased ignorant viewpoint is hypocritical (as she has never visited the middle east and is getting her information from presumably the media that she herself lambasts as biased and under the control of warlords and american interests in Afghanistan and so not reliable when considering the Afghan situation), and made me question her other statements. Finally, do not read this book for great writing - that's not the point, it is very repetitive and by its nature full of slogans and black or white self-righteousness.
Read
February 6, 2010A Woman Among Warlords - Malalai Joya
SEE Malalai ON DEMOCRACY NOW March 28, 2011:
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/3/28...
This book is very good, and it represents a grass-roots voice of both people of Afghanistan and of free-thinking Islamic women.
There are three main parts or aspects to this book. A memoir of a child growing up in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation, and being a refugee from that regime, and then the time after returning to Afghanistan when the Taliban come to power, secretly teaching school and organizing aid, all as a very young woman. It is also a memoir on the political life of someone who steps forward to represent everyday people during the current U.S. occupation, fighting the corrupt structure that the U.S. has created there. And then it is a political analysis of the way forward, with specific things that will bring Afghanistan forward.
Malalai Joya is an extremely brave person, someone who does what needs to be done, and does not count the personal cost. This is a voice not heard elsewhere, (at least commonly in the west) and so this is a very important book that must be read and it's wisdoms spread.
It is good to read criticism from the other side. She is critical of Obama's war making, and Bush's as well. Her view on Benizir Bhutto, again from the other side, is one i've not known before.
I had to reflect too, of the role of strong fathers who love their daughters, and recognize the value of education and free thought. I've read a few books like this lately and all involve the common element connecting this sort father in Islamic culture with the life of strong healthy women.
My one minor criticism is that perhaps the modern memoir has not aged enough to give the author perspective. What she did was right, but how you describe, and what detail you give is not always apparent when you are in the middle of the situation. That said i don't think there is time to waste, this is too important and needs to be said and understood now, there is blood on our hands.
SEE Malalai ON DEMOCRACY NOW March 28, 2011:
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/3/28...
This book is very good, and it represents a grass-roots voice of both people of Afghanistan and of free-thinking Islamic women.
There are three main parts or aspects to this book. A memoir of a child growing up in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation, and being a refugee from that regime, and then the time after returning to Afghanistan when the Taliban come to power, secretly teaching school and organizing aid, all as a very young woman. It is also a memoir on the political life of someone who steps forward to represent everyday people during the current U.S. occupation, fighting the corrupt structure that the U.S. has created there. And then it is a political analysis of the way forward, with specific things that will bring Afghanistan forward.
Malalai Joya is an extremely brave person, someone who does what needs to be done, and does not count the personal cost. This is a voice not heard elsewhere, (at least commonly in the west) and so this is a very important book that must be read and it's wisdoms spread.
It is good to read criticism from the other side. She is critical of Obama's war making, and Bush's as well. Her view on Benizir Bhutto, again from the other side, is one i've not known before.
I had to reflect too, of the role of strong fathers who love their daughters, and recognize the value of education and free thought. I've read a few books like this lately and all involve the common element connecting this sort father in Islamic culture with the life of strong healthy women.
My one minor criticism is that perhaps the modern memoir has not aged enough to give the author perspective. What she did was right, but how you describe, and what detail you give is not always apparent when you are in the middle of the situation. That said i don't think there is time to waste, this is too important and needs to be said and understood now, there is blood on our hands.
September 1, 2016
Amazing book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The only problem I had with it, which was the reason it came down to 4 stars, was the fact that she kept relating freedom with not following the hijab all throughout the book. I'm not sure whether this was intended or just a mistake, but when you read lines like that goes something like "These girls can now study without the hijab/head covering" over and over again it sort of does imply it. This may have not been the intention, but as always when writing books about issues that a place is facing, especially one as serious as Afghanistan, there shouldn't be room for misinterpretation.
This book shared some of the same thoughts I have been thinking, ever since I have tried to become more politically aware. I think the insight from an Afghan on her own country makes a strong point, and is so eye opening. I am glad that the want/need for change that runs through the Afghan people was so clearly demonstrated throughout the book through the intertwining of real life stories, and what others have said to her.
I would really recommend for anyone to read this, I believe that the struggle in Afghanistan is very truly and clearly depicted in this book.
The only problem I had with it, which was the reason it came down to 4 stars, was the fact that she kept relating freedom with not following the hijab all throughout the book. I'm not sure whether this was intended or just a mistake, but when you read lines like that goes something like "These girls can now study without the hijab/head covering" over and over again it sort of does imply it. This may have not been the intention, but as always when writing books about issues that a place is facing, especially one as serious as Afghanistan, there shouldn't be room for misinterpretation.
This book shared some of the same thoughts I have been thinking, ever since I have tried to become more politically aware. I think the insight from an Afghan on her own country makes a strong point, and is so eye opening. I am glad that the want/need for change that runs through the Afghan people was so clearly demonstrated throughout the book through the intertwining of real life stories, and what others have said to her.
I would really recommend for anyone to read this, I believe that the struggle in Afghanistan is very truly and clearly depicted in this book.
January 1, 2010
an amazing story. My husband an I are at opposites when it comes it the issue of afghanistan. I am making him read this book. After reading this book I want to become an activist. All through the book ( i read it in about 9 hours and still made dinner)I kept wondering "why won't she let it gooooooo." Yes people need to be brought before the wars commission for Crimes against Humanity, and yes when this country is solvent enough, these men will face punishment. But then I finally came up with it. She was born in April. Taurus' never forgive, never let an issue die, it's their way or the highway. I should know I'm one of them. Now I understand her. I hope she survives to see justice prevail.
August 5, 2013
Wow, okay, this is a woman in Afghanistan who won a seat in parliament. Which is pretty cool. But she's a progressive, a fighter for the common man. In this book she sketches out some of the political history, and shows how many of the elected representatives are the same warlords that have been terrorizing the locals. (She draws a line between legitimate freedom fighters and warlords.)
Her story has moments of breath-taking appalling behavior - refusing to let her speak for the flimsiest of reason - but heart-warming support from the people she represents.
I particularly like her candor. She says things like, I wish I hadn't done [thing I did in the early throes of excitement over independence]; it legitimized the sham system.
Fascinating and inspiring.
Her story has moments of breath-taking appalling behavior - refusing to let her speak for the flimsiest of reason - but heart-warming support from the people she represents.
I particularly like her candor. She says things like, I wish I hadn't done [thing I did in the early throes of excitement over independence]; it legitimized the sham system.
Fascinating and inspiring.
February 25, 2011
You've gotta hand it to Malalai Joya. In a country rife with gender inequality like Afghanistan, Joya stood up for basic human rights and even got herself elected to the Afghani parliament. I can't imagine what it took to be able to be that voice of reason. I do wish that the book would have discussed a little more about the formation of Joya's views. How did she decide what to believe in? Where did she find that courage? This is a great book about making a difference and speaking out even when the odds are against you!
June 23, 2022
"Nessuna nazione può donare la libertà a un'altra. La libertà è un bene che deve essere conquistato dal popolo, un seme che cresce e dà i frutti solo quando viene piantato nel terreno e innaffiato dalle lacrime e dal sangue del popolo"
Non ho parole per esprimere quanto mi abbia colpito la forza, la tenacia e il coraggio di questa autrice. Una ragazza che ha un amore e una dedizione al proprio popolo e alla propria nazione che per noi occidentali credo sia un sentimento diventato ormai dimenticato. In Italia per lo meno, questo senso di libertà, giustizia e appartenenza ad una comunità credo si possa ritrovare solo nei racconti partigiani. Il dolore, la sofferenza unisce e permette di rimanere in piedi appoggiandosi l'un l'altro e credo che il benessere con giusto un pizzico di capitalismo sfrenato ci ha reso sempre più isolati come individui, non riesco a vedere un senso di comunità e questo può essere una grave debolezza perchè come dice Malalai:
"Una voce, persino molte voci isolate, non possono nulla. Ma quando uniamo le nostre voci, diventiamo imbattibili"
Ciò quindi che mi auguro è che questa solitudine non ci renda insensibili e egoisti, ecco perchè penso sia molto importante tenersi aggiornati sui Paesi più sfortunati. Anzi, direi che "sfortunati" sia un termine estremamente ingiusto, non è il caso ad aver portato a loro disgrazia e povertà.
Malalai non ha paura di riportare nome e cognome di chi sta dietro la guerra e i soprusi, questo libro non è solo una testimonianza delle condizioni degli afgani, ma è un vero e proprio J'accuse.
Ho imparato davvero molto, ha una scrittura davvero scorrevole e lineare; ricca di informazioni storiche, ma anche di esperienza personali dell'autrice senza pretese e con estrema umiltà.
Non ho parole per esprimere quanto mi abbia colpito la forza, la tenacia e il coraggio di questa autrice. Una ragazza che ha un amore e una dedizione al proprio popolo e alla propria nazione che per noi occidentali credo sia un sentimento diventato ormai dimenticato. In Italia per lo meno, questo senso di libertà, giustizia e appartenenza ad una comunità credo si possa ritrovare solo nei racconti partigiani. Il dolore, la sofferenza unisce e permette di rimanere in piedi appoggiandosi l'un l'altro e credo che il benessere con giusto un pizzico di capitalismo sfrenato ci ha reso sempre più isolati come individui, non riesco a vedere un senso di comunità e questo può essere una grave debolezza perchè come dice Malalai:
"Una voce, persino molte voci isolate, non possono nulla. Ma quando uniamo le nostre voci, diventiamo imbattibili"
Ciò quindi che mi auguro è che questa solitudine non ci renda insensibili e egoisti, ecco perchè penso sia molto importante tenersi aggiornati sui Paesi più sfortunati. Anzi, direi che "sfortunati" sia un termine estremamente ingiusto, non è il caso ad aver portato a loro disgrazia e povertà.
Malalai non ha paura di riportare nome e cognome di chi sta dietro la guerra e i soprusi, questo libro non è solo una testimonianza delle condizioni degli afgani, ma è un vero e proprio J'accuse.
Ho imparato davvero molto, ha una scrittura davvero scorrevole e lineare; ricca di informazioni storiche, ma anche di esperienza personali dell'autrice senza pretese e con estrema umiltà.
April 9, 2022
The biggest, no fault of the book flaw is that it's from 2009 and I basically want an updated version so I can hear Joya's in depth take on the 12 years after that and how she sees the final troop departure in 2021 and all that jazz. But alas, it is a bit awkward to complain about a book having a publishing year that isn't always now? So that aspect aside I consider this a valuable read. It's always good to get some inside information into a situation and to get it from one of the first women elected to parliament to then be banned from it for her progressive views and who continues to be a political activist despite the threat to her and her loved ones lives: that's a great POV to hear some inside scoops from.
Some of the history was familiar to me, other details I definitely needed to learn about. I liked her rough and honest take on the hypocrisy of the US approach to work with warlords when it suits their own goals while claiming they are fighting this war to free the people of Afghanistan. Also, pointing out that you will likely drive people into the hands of extremism when you continue to bomb the sh*t out of their nation, well, it's almost too Captain Obvious but apparently the US and their allies seem to pull a blank on that point. She also gives insights into the historical terrors of first the Soviet occupation, then Taliban rule, then attacks of US troops: the continuous unsafe living conditions and how hard it is to rebuild a country within that. I can relate to the request to be able to build a democracy on your own terms and not having a version of democracy pushed onto your nation that might serve foreign nations more than your own; the idea that democratic rights should be earned by their own people and not set up in a puppet government. The terrible handling of aid money which rarely seems to reach the people. There is a lot to learn here and I found a lot of worth in reading her views
But I also wondered if her idealism carried her into certain biases. What I mean is that while there is undeniable damage that the US occupation and attacks caused, there were also benefits from my understanding (which clearly might be my own shaped by Western media bias). As she recounts in her own words her life as woman was a lot more restricted under Taliban rule which the US invasion ended. There is also the professional training the troops did with many Afghan citizens in medical and military and aid work: jobs and skills were provided that these citizens otherwise wouldn't have had access, too. Then there is also obvious downsides where you have to wonder how for example the countries infrastructure after yeas of occupation and "help" of the invaders is still in disastrous state. Afghan hospitals and orphanages/ child care centers had to close to lack of funds to then sometimes be replaced by foreign run institutions. What I am thinking here is that there are clear and obvious negatives that came with the US invasion (starting with that it is an invasion!) but in the long run there were those positive sides that Yoya seems to ignore and doesn't want to give credit to. I think if I had seen a a more honest acknowledging of these things from her it would actually have helped her voice, now I am like I said wondering if her idealism closes her off to some of the realism of the situation. Which brings me back to my introduction, this text is more than 10 years old, she might have adjusted some of her viewpoints, some of the positives of the occupation that I am referring to here might have crystallized more in recent years. I did some online research on how the troop departure is seen within Afghanistan now and how the situation has developed since. And while it still seems to be too early to tell, it seems that things are improving. People say they feel safer, the situation for girls and women is also getting better with more and more rights being granted to them but it is still a far cry from where it has been before the Taliban took over once again. But who knows, maybe Joya is right after all and with given time the country can find its own path to a just democracy? I will try and stay informed.
Something I sadly have to point out negatively about the book is the writing though. In her acknowledgements she thanks her co-writer which surprised me, while reading I wished she had worked with one and then it turns out she did. I am a firm believer that just because you have a good story to tell, it doesn't necessarily turn you into a good writer and there is no shame in letting someone write for you or help with your writing. I prefer that because I value good writing in my memoirs. The writing here is incredibly stiff with honestly terrible flow. First, it reads more like an autobiography (this happened, than that happened) instead of a reflective work and it was not very engaging in that regard at all. You really need to be driven by the informative value of this book because the writing will not pull you in, at least it didn't pull me in. Which is a shame because it could make people give up on the book too early, and others like me might not remember it as a standout piece on Afghanistan. For me as a reader the writing is immensely important but that might not be the case for everyone. I actually liked the latter parts a lot better where she moves away from personal account and to more general facts because I thought the bad writing didn't hurt those as much.
Still, insightful and very much worth a look at to gain some perspectives on the Afghanistan situation.
Some of the history was familiar to me, other details I definitely needed to learn about. I liked her rough and honest take on the hypocrisy of the US approach to work with warlords when it suits their own goals while claiming they are fighting this war to free the people of Afghanistan. Also, pointing out that you will likely drive people into the hands of extremism when you continue to bomb the sh*t out of their nation, well, it's almost too Captain Obvious but apparently the US and their allies seem to pull a blank on that point. She also gives insights into the historical terrors of first the Soviet occupation, then Taliban rule, then attacks of US troops: the continuous unsafe living conditions and how hard it is to rebuild a country within that. I can relate to the request to be able to build a democracy on your own terms and not having a version of democracy pushed onto your nation that might serve foreign nations more than your own; the idea that democratic rights should be earned by their own people and not set up in a puppet government. The terrible handling of aid money which rarely seems to reach the people. There is a lot to learn here and I found a lot of worth in reading her views
But I also wondered if her idealism carried her into certain biases. What I mean is that while there is undeniable damage that the US occupation and attacks caused, there were also benefits from my understanding (which clearly might be my own shaped by Western media bias). As she recounts in her own words her life as woman was a lot more restricted under Taliban rule which the US invasion ended. There is also the professional training the troops did with many Afghan citizens in medical and military and aid work: jobs and skills were provided that these citizens otherwise wouldn't have had access, too. Then there is also obvious downsides where you have to wonder how for example the countries infrastructure after yeas of occupation and "help" of the invaders is still in disastrous state. Afghan hospitals and orphanages/ child care centers had to close to lack of funds to then sometimes be replaced by foreign run institutions. What I am thinking here is that there are clear and obvious negatives that came with the US invasion (starting with that it is an invasion!) but in the long run there were those positive sides that Yoya seems to ignore and doesn't want to give credit to. I think if I had seen a a more honest acknowledging of these things from her it would actually have helped her voice, now I am like I said wondering if her idealism closes her off to some of the realism of the situation. Which brings me back to my introduction, this text is more than 10 years old, she might have adjusted some of her viewpoints, some of the positives of the occupation that I am referring to here might have crystallized more in recent years. I did some online research on how the troop departure is seen within Afghanistan now and how the situation has developed since. And while it still seems to be too early to tell, it seems that things are improving. People say they feel safer, the situation for girls and women is also getting better with more and more rights being granted to them but it is still a far cry from where it has been before the Taliban took over once again. But who knows, maybe Joya is right after all and with given time the country can find its own path to a just democracy? I will try and stay informed.
Something I sadly have to point out negatively about the book is the writing though. In her acknowledgements she thanks her co-writer which surprised me, while reading I wished she had worked with one and then it turns out she did. I am a firm believer that just because you have a good story to tell, it doesn't necessarily turn you into a good writer and there is no shame in letting someone write for you or help with your writing. I prefer that because I value good writing in my memoirs. The writing here is incredibly stiff with honestly terrible flow. First, it reads more like an autobiography (this happened, than that happened) instead of a reflective work and it was not very engaging in that regard at all. You really need to be driven by the informative value of this book because the writing will not pull you in, at least it didn't pull me in. Which is a shame because it could make people give up on the book too early, and others like me might not remember it as a standout piece on Afghanistan. For me as a reader the writing is immensely important but that might not be the case for everyone. I actually liked the latter parts a lot better where she moves away from personal account and to more general facts because I thought the bad writing didn't hurt those as much.
Still, insightful and very much worth a look at to gain some perspectives on the Afghanistan situation.
May 11, 2020
Although her tale is incredibly moving, a life of terror and living in the shadows, Malalai Joya’s memoir has a bit too much history and political analysis to keep the momentum going.
Of course these details are important to her cause to remove the warlords from Afghanistan, but I wanted more focus on her life, which she couldn’t go too much in to die to safety concerns for her and her family and friends.
Of course these details are important to her cause to remove the warlords from Afghanistan, but I wanted more focus on her life, which she couldn’t go too much in to die to safety concerns for her and her family and friends.
April 12, 2012
This is an awesome book!
Malalai is a very brave young woman. Her voice shook and attracted people, not only in Afghanistan, but also from around the world.
This is a really insightful book of the true condition of Afghanistan. No dramas. No self-pity. It describes life as it is as Joya and millions of Afghans likely to face everyday.
It is very important for everyone to understand the definition of TERRORISM. People used to think that terrorism is caused by extremist who wants nothing but chaos. That is just half the truth. That's why people easily fall into the trap to think that fighting organizations such as Taliban or AL-Qaeda is the only way to fight terrorism.
We often forgot what is the true meaning of TERROR itself. It means extreme fear. Such fear that is caused by intimidation, especially for political reasons. It can also means a person or a thing that causes extreme fear. Therefore, it can be said that, for any reason or purpose, anything that causes such extreme fear, unrest, and chaos, is a TERROR.
This book described how the international politics has helped in creating such terror, instead of helping the people in Afghanistan to get rid of it. It is shameful that business always override human rights even at war!!!
Therefore, concerning political response to US-Afghan war, there are two types of people in this world: the ones that curse US and its allies and the ones that curse organization such as Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
But Joya's book presents us another point of view. What about the people of Afghanistan itself? What is their view on this war?
Remember, EVERYTHING that causes extreme fear and chaos is TERROR.
Joya vividly explains to us, since the coup d'état of the Kingdom, the warlords of Afghanistan has been the root of problem of terror in Afghanistan.
Taliban and Bin Laden are "imported" terror from the Arab world. The US and its allies didn't help at all in fighting them. They only make it worse, by letting the warlords to rule over what is left of Afghanistan after a long time of war.
These warlords are the true blood-and-power-thirst enemies of Afghanistan. And Joya points out that they are also the hypocrites, though extremely righteous as they are. They always put burden on everyone else's backs but themselves'. They receive dollars(US)/ euros(Europe)/ dinars(Arabs)/ rubels(Russia) to live in lavishness and trample on Afghan's people. In their utter racism, they killed thousands of people of different ethnic group of Afghan and despise the rest. They rape and kill women and young girls, without ever being punished. They are responsible for the blood shed in the civil war. These are the rotten maggots that eat Afghanistan from the inside out.
I could feel the irony and agony when Joya tells us that these villains have amended a regulation, which states that all crimes of war will not be punished. Now there is no limitations for them. They become the untouchable.
They are the ones whom martyrs from Afghanistan, like many other young Afghan activists and Joya herself, fight unceasingly with selflessness and no fear of death.
They have a long road to go on their war against this terror. And I am really inspired by their courage.
This book is indeed recommendable.
Malalai is a very brave young woman. Her voice shook and attracted people, not only in Afghanistan, but also from around the world.
This is a really insightful book of the true condition of Afghanistan. No dramas. No self-pity. It describes life as it is as Joya and millions of Afghans likely to face everyday.
It is very important for everyone to understand the definition of TERRORISM. People used to think that terrorism is caused by extremist who wants nothing but chaos. That is just half the truth. That's why people easily fall into the trap to think that fighting organizations such as Taliban or AL-Qaeda is the only way to fight terrorism.
We often forgot what is the true meaning of TERROR itself. It means extreme fear. Such fear that is caused by intimidation, especially for political reasons. It can also means a person or a thing that causes extreme fear. Therefore, it can be said that, for any reason or purpose, anything that causes such extreme fear, unrest, and chaos, is a TERROR.
This book described how the international politics has helped in creating such terror, instead of helping the people in Afghanistan to get rid of it. It is shameful that business always override human rights even at war!!!
Therefore, concerning political response to US-Afghan war, there are two types of people in this world: the ones that curse US and its allies and the ones that curse organization such as Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
But Joya's book presents us another point of view. What about the people of Afghanistan itself? What is their view on this war?
Remember, EVERYTHING that causes extreme fear and chaos is TERROR.
Joya vividly explains to us, since the coup d'état of the Kingdom, the warlords of Afghanistan has been the root of problem of terror in Afghanistan.
Taliban and Bin Laden are "imported" terror from the Arab world. The US and its allies didn't help at all in fighting them. They only make it worse, by letting the warlords to rule over what is left of Afghanistan after a long time of war.
These warlords are the true blood-and-power-thirst enemies of Afghanistan. And Joya points out that they are also the hypocrites, though extremely righteous as they are. They always put burden on everyone else's backs but themselves'. They receive dollars(US)/ euros(Europe)/ dinars(Arabs)/ rubels(Russia) to live in lavishness and trample on Afghan's people. In their utter racism, they killed thousands of people of different ethnic group of Afghan and despise the rest. They rape and kill women and young girls, without ever being punished. They are responsible for the blood shed in the civil war. These are the rotten maggots that eat Afghanistan from the inside out.
I could feel the irony and agony when Joya tells us that these villains have amended a regulation, which states that all crimes of war will not be punished. Now there is no limitations for them. They become the untouchable.
They are the ones whom martyrs from Afghanistan, like many other young Afghan activists and Joya herself, fight unceasingly with selflessness and no fear of death.
They have a long road to go on their war against this terror. And I am really inspired by their courage.
This book is indeed recommendable.
January 23, 2013
الكتاب عن ناشطة أفغانستانية تحكي قصتها في الصمود أمام السياسيين الفاسدين في أفغانستنان و تصور لك حياة المواطن الأفغانستاني في الحرب المتواصلة في أفغانستان ما بين أطراف كلهم يطمعون بالسلطة لمصالحهم الخاصة وليس من أجل حرية أفغانستنان و توفير الأمن والأمان.
ستجد في الكتاب الكثير من الحقائق التي أخفاها الإعلام الأمريكي حتى لا يعلم الناس مقدار القتلى الذين سقطوا في أفغانستان بسبب الجيش الأمريكي فيها.
وفي النهاية تؤكد الكاتبة أن الحل الأول لمشاكلهم في أفغانستان هو أن تتوقف الدول الأخرى التدخل في أمن أفغانستان وأن تسحب قواتها من داخل البلاد.
ستجد في الكتاب الكثير من الحقائق التي أخفاها الإعلام الأمريكي حتى لا يعلم الناس مقدار القتلى الذين سقطوا في أفغانستان بسبب الجيش الأمريكي فيها.
وفي النهاية تؤكد الكاتبة أن الحل الأول لمشاكلهم في أفغانستان هو أن تتوقف الدول الأخرى التدخل في أمن أفغانستان وأن تسحب قواتها من داخل البلاد.
May 20, 2011
This book is about a young woman in Afghanistan who, despite all odds, taught in secret girls' schools, established a medical clinic and orphanage, and became the youngest person elected to Afghanistan's new Parliament. It was extremely interesting and gave a lot of insight to a country that I really don't know a lot about. It also made me sad that conditions, especially women's rights, are still so bad in many countries.
January 23, 2010
A great look into the history of Afghanistan and it's current situation. Malalai Joya is an inspiration to read; a young woman who is so brave and loves her country so much that she could not just sit by while corruption and violence took over. A good read if you're interested in learning about women's rights in Afghanistan
March 19, 2015
A touching story of the truth overseas that we are all too often removed. An inspiring woman whoms passion is infectious. Also, keep tissue on hand.
March 16, 2024
⭐️: 3,5
Boka har vært grei. Setningsoppbygningen og måten den er skrevet på fremstår som relativt enkel, men tidvis kan boka bli litt oppstykket og har repeterer ofte det samme poenget- noe som gjør at en del av bokas flyt forsvinner. Det er veldig gripende og samtidig interessant å få et innblikk i livet til en modig kvinne fra Afghanistan som har turt å stå imot opposisjonsmaktene eller som hun selv kaller for fundamentalistene/krigsherrene. I tillegg får man gjennom forfatterens perspektiv et innblikk i hvordan forholdene i Afghanistan egentlig er - og ikke gjennom det «typiske» vestlige perspektivet. De to siste kapitlene var veldig bra! (Boka er skrevet i 2009, skrevet på norsk og hadde 294 sider)
Quote: «Vi er ikke noe hjelpeløst land, vi har klart å styre våre egne saker, og kvinnenes rettigheter har ikke alltid vært i en så forferdelig forfatning. Det er stormaktenes politikk når de har blandet seg inn og støttet de mest ekstreme elementene i Afghanistan, som har drevet kvinnenes rettigheter tilbake» (s.232)
Boka har vært grei. Setningsoppbygningen og måten den er skrevet på fremstår som relativt enkel, men tidvis kan boka bli litt oppstykket og har repeterer ofte det samme poenget- noe som gjør at en del av bokas flyt forsvinner. Det er veldig gripende og samtidig interessant å få et innblikk i livet til en modig kvinne fra Afghanistan som har turt å stå imot opposisjonsmaktene eller som hun selv kaller for fundamentalistene/krigsherrene. I tillegg får man gjennom forfatterens perspektiv et innblikk i hvordan forholdene i Afghanistan egentlig er - og ikke gjennom det «typiske» vestlige perspektivet. De to siste kapitlene var veldig bra! (Boka er skrevet i 2009, skrevet på norsk og hadde 294 sider)
Quote: «Vi er ikke noe hjelpeløst land, vi har klart å styre våre egne saker, og kvinnenes rettigheter har ikke alltid vært i en så forferdelig forfatning. Det er stormaktenes politikk når de har blandet seg inn og støttet de mest ekstreme elementene i Afghanistan, som har drevet kvinnenes rettigheter tilbake» (s.232)
January 21, 2020
Het verslag van een dappere vrouw (1978) die zich inzet voor vrouwenrechten in Afghanistan. Ze is scherp en zo leer je niet alleen over de situatie in Afghanistan en hoe het zover gekomen is maar doe je ook inzichten op. Zo stelt ze heel pertinent dat mensen niet blij zijn met 'hulp' van buitenlandse legers want die zien zij zelf als bezetter. Bovendien komen er uit buitenlandse bemoeienis juist grote problemen voor. Het boek was bovendien goed geschreven al werd het tegen het einde toe wel te veel van hetzelfde.
Aantekeningen: Engelse kolonie, 1880 Tweede Anglo-Afghaanse oorlog, 1919 onafhankelijk, koninkrijk, 1973 republiek, 1978 Staatsgreep, Saur of April Revolution, Russische inval, 1979-1989 Russische bezetting, 1992-1996 burgeroorlog met heerschappij fundamentalistische moedjahedien, 1996 Taliban, 11 september 2001
Aantekeningen: Engelse kolonie, 1880 Tweede Anglo-Afghaanse oorlog, 1919 onafhankelijk, koninkrijk, 1973 republiek, 1978 Staatsgreep, Saur of April Revolution, Russische inval, 1979-1989 Russische bezetting, 1992-1996 burgeroorlog met heerschappij fundamentalistische moedjahedien, 1996 Taliban, 11 september 2001
January 24, 2019
Saya kagum dengan semangat kental dan keberanian Malalai. Sangat menginspirasikan. Buku ini juga memberi kefahaman yang lebih baik mengenai situasi di Afghanistan. Dapat digambarkan melalu petikan kata-kata Malalai ini, "Under the Taliban, we had only one enemy. Now we have Taliban, warlords, Islamic State, occupation forces that keep dropping bombs, and the so-called technocrats, who have compromised in exchange for money and power."
November 11, 2020
It is a strong book from a strong woman.
Made me to start thinking about countries as Afeganistan which live in war for so many years.
We don't imagine how is to live like that and many times we even think in ways to help.
But, what I can do regarding the war in Afeganistan?
The real reason for this and many other wars in the world is power, petroleum and natural resources.
There are much more behind every news that we see on TV.
Is good to know a little bit more about the world we live and thing in ways to help and improve the planet quality life
Made me to start thinking about countries as Afeganistan which live in war for so many years.
We don't imagine how is to live like that and many times we even think in ways to help.
But, what I can do regarding the war in Afeganistan?
The real reason for this and many other wars in the world is power, petroleum and natural resources.
There are much more behind every news that we see on TV.
Is good to know a little bit more about the world we live and thing in ways to help and improve the planet quality life
November 27, 2024
This may not be my favorite book and I may not agree with every opinion in it, but it showed me a very different perspective from what I already know and for that I am thankful.
June 26, 2016
Malalai Joya was the youngest woman to be elected to parliament in Afghanistan. In ‘Raising my Voice’ Joya shows how she started off secretly teaching women and girls in underground schools which were illegal in times of the Taliban rule risking her life to do so.
Joya is a fearless woman desperate to see her country free of the reign of vicious warlords and the foreign troops who protect them. When she is elected to parliament she uses her position to speak out about the crimes of these Warlords many of whom are her fellow parliamentarians. Joya is adamant that Afghanistan cannot be free whilst these warlords are still given positions of power and corruption runs rife often backed by the allied forces.
This position has left Joya is constant fear for her life. She cannot name any of her friends or family in this book for fear of their safety. She is forced to move between houses, never staying at one place for more than a night or so in fear of being tracked. She travels with an armed guard and in a burqa so that she many not be recognized.
Many have been sentenced to death for openly supporting and campaigning for her. One of her supporters were sentenced to death merely for downloading an article of her views. His sentence was only lessened to twenty years imprisonment because of large international campaign. It does not escape me that if perhaps I was caught with the book on the other side of the world I could also be at risk of such a fate.
Her book was a real eye opener for me and I expect for many who thought since the Taliban forces were no longer in power and Afghanistan now had a democratically elected Parliament where twenty five percent of the Parliamentarians were female. However Joya shows that the parliament is little more than a superficial façade and most of the women are controlled by the War lords are just as much against rights for women as their husbands are.
Her courage to fight for what she believes is right is absolutely amazing. This obviously isn’t a book to be read for entertainment purposes but I urge you to read it all the same.
Joya is a fearless woman desperate to see her country free of the reign of vicious warlords and the foreign troops who protect them. When she is elected to parliament she uses her position to speak out about the crimes of these Warlords many of whom are her fellow parliamentarians. Joya is adamant that Afghanistan cannot be free whilst these warlords are still given positions of power and corruption runs rife often backed by the allied forces.
This position has left Joya is constant fear for her life. She cannot name any of her friends or family in this book for fear of their safety. She is forced to move between houses, never staying at one place for more than a night or so in fear of being tracked. She travels with an armed guard and in a burqa so that she many not be recognized.
Many have been sentenced to death for openly supporting and campaigning for her. One of her supporters were sentenced to death merely for downloading an article of her views. His sentence was only lessened to twenty years imprisonment because of large international campaign. It does not escape me that if perhaps I was caught with the book on the other side of the world I could also be at risk of such a fate.
Her book was a real eye opener for me and I expect for many who thought since the Taliban forces were no longer in power and Afghanistan now had a democratically elected Parliament where twenty five percent of the Parliamentarians were female. However Joya shows that the parliament is little more than a superficial façade and most of the women are controlled by the War lords are just as much against rights for women as their husbands are.
Her courage to fight for what she believes is right is absolutely amazing. This obviously isn’t a book to be read for entertainment purposes but I urge you to read it all the same.
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