In the Name of my Father: Struggling for Freedom in Afghanistan

by Ahmad Massoud

In this compelling and insightful work, Ahmad Massoud reflects on the struggle for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan.

As the leader of the National Resistance Front, Ahmad Massoud articulates a vision for a liberated Afghanistan, free from the grasp of the Taliban and other terrorist groups. It's no coincidence that his father, Ahmad Shah Massoud, was a military commander who led the resistance against the Soviet occupation in the 1980s and later against the Taliban regime until his assassination on September 9, 2011.

In this remarkable memoir, Massoud describes the influence his father has had on him as the current leader of the resistance. His efforts, like those of his father, have always been about restoring peace—a peace that offers freedom, justice, and democracy to all citizens of Afghanistan. Massoud also explores Afghanistan's history, explaining how it has become so broken, and outlines his ideas for reforming the current political system and restoring stability.

Massoud delves into the principles of democracy, decentralization, and pluralism, emphasizing the importance of equality for all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. He also emphasizes the promotion of a rational and moderate interpretation of Islam in the Muslim world, advocating for a religious framework that supports rationalism, peace, tolerance, and coexistence. This aspect of his work underlines the importance of harmonizing religious beliefs with the principles of modern democracy and human rights.
This book is not just a political manifesto, but also a personal narrative that intertwines Massoud's experiences and aspirations for his nation's future, portraying a deep commitment to the values of liberty, justice, and human rights.

"Even if our paths were different," he writes, "the message that my father left for me is to never give up. I won't run away from the mission that awaits me."

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2024

About the author

Ahmad Massoud (Dari: احمد مسعود) is an Afghan politician who is the founder and leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan. He is the eldest son of prominent Afghan anti-Soviet military leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, and was appointed as the CEO of the Massoud Foundation in November 2016. On 5 September 2019, he was declared his father's successor at his mausoleum in the Panjshir Valley. After the Taliban seized control of Panjshir Valley on 6 September 2021, Massoud evacuated towards Tajikistan along with former Vice President Amrullah Saleh.

Massoud has since been leading the NRF operations from inside Tajikistan and participated in the Vienna conferences in working towards a democratic state in Afghanistan. The meetings brought together leading Afghan anti-Taliban figures, women's rights activists, and civil society representatives.

Reviews

[Darryl Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to be outdone by the Trump Administration’s ill-conceived, disastrous deal with the Taliban in 2020 – known as the Doha Accord – the Biden Administration in 2021 orchestrated what was probably the worst military withdrawal in history. This caused the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces which, in turn, led to the Taliban takeover of Kabul. Weapons gifted by the American taxpayer to the Taliban following the withdrawal were said to be in the tens of billions of dollars in value. So the world shrugs and moves on. But not the Afghan people -- some have been left to clean up the mess. One of those is Ahmad Massoud, who, in his memoir "In The Name Of My Father", tells of his struggle, both as a politician and a military leader against the Taliban and his vision to restore peace, freedom, justice and democracy in his country. As a follower of the Hanafi school of Islam, Massoud believes in the promotion of a rational, moderate interpretation of Islam in the Muslim world, advocating for a religious framework that supports rationalism, peace, tolerance and co-existence. The son of renowned Afghan freedom fighter, Ahmad Shah Massoud – “the Lion of Panjshir” – thirty-five year old Ahmad Massoud is a key leader in his country’s resistance against Taliban oppression. An ethnic Tajik from Northern Afghanistan, he moved with his family frequently, primarily due to his father’s work. Following his father’s assassination in 2001 he moved with his family to Iran where he finished high school, following which he moved to the UK to complete his eduation. There, he started military training at the Sandhurst Military Academy, later receiving a bachelor’s degree in War Studies from Kings College, London and a master’s degree in International Politics from City, University of London.

"In The Name Of My Father" is written in an intelligent, yet lucid style and gives an insightful, accurate account of life in Afghanistan before and after the events of 2020-2021. It masterly sets out Ahmad Massoud’s vision for the future of his country. With terrorism on the rise around the world, a lot of it fuelled by the Taliban and other terrorist organisations to which it provides a safe harbour, there is everything to gain by helping him reach his dream. As Joe Lieberman, former US Senator is quoted as saying, “What happens in Afghanistan echoes across the world.” Read this excellent work by a true visionary. And be prepared to be surprised.

[Karen Raap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating. I wasn't sure what to expect although I have watched podcasts and interviews with Ahmad Massoud. I chose this book to help my understanding of a country I admittingly know so very little about. Looking at what America has become and the current election season full of misinformation and division, I'd say there are a lot of similarities between our countries now and that's not saying a lot considering one is now in the hands of dozens of terrorist groups. It's no wonder I wanted to read about the fight for freedom, women's rights, a strategy behind a competent military. Ahmad Massoud has introduced me to his world, his fight, his father's legacy and his people all in striking detail and story. Counting my blessings and saying a prayer for others.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stirring Manifesto for Afghans who believe in Democracy and Human Rights!

A captivating tale of a boy growing up to take on his father's role as leader of the anti-Taliban/al-qaeda/Pakistani ISI Resistance in Afghanistan. Just a few days ago his group (The National Resistance Front) killed and wounded 15 Taliban, including a prominent commander outside the Interior Ministry building in the heart of Downtown Kabul and didn't cause any collateral damage and got away unscathed! Impressive after just over 3 years of resistance! These boys (and the other nascent Afghan Resistance groups) are just getting started! 10-20 years from now we'll see a new Afghanistan! Count on it!

[Belinda Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very insightful first hand account of the many years of Afghanistan's struggle for freedom and democracy by the Massoud family. As the son of legend, Ahmad, brought his father and mother as well as his grandparents' values to life.

The legacy of strong parents and grandparents is evident with this family, which have brought integrity, love and devotion to a dismal situation.

Ahmad reveals a plan to give Afghan's a future.

[Maher Saadat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read.