Massoud : an intimate portrait of the legendary Afghan leader

Author and translator Marcela Grad explores the life of the late Afghan leader, Ahmad Shah Massoud, through personal stories told to her by those who accompanied Massoud during his struggle to liberate Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion and the Taliban, and by others from around the world who knew and helped Massoud. Ahmad Shah Massoud was assassinated by Al Qaeda suicide bombers posing as journalists just two days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is widely believed that Massoud was killed to help pave the way for 9/11. Today, Massoud is considered the national hero of Afghanistan and the September 9th anniversary of his death is a national holiday there. Grad spent over four years interviewing a diverse group of Afghans who were commanders, members of the mujahideen, personal secretaries, envoys, women of the resistance, and members of Massoud’s family. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Foreword Preface Introduction Chronology of Events 1. The Seeds Are Sown 2. The Beginning 3. One of Us 4. The Commander 5. My Way to Massoud 6. A Warrior’s Will 7. For Many Years to Come 8. To Lead a Nation 9. The Finer Things 10. A Kind Heart 11. Personal Impact 12. The Man and His Opponents Image Gallery 13. In the Name of God 14. Room for All 15. Worth a Thousand Words 16. Kabul: Shadow of Victory 17. A Simple Life 18. The Panjshir 19. The Lighter Side 20. Afghan Spirit 21. Perfume of the Rose 22. The Second Dream 23. Beacon of Light Epilogue Appendixes Contributors Glossary References Grad explores the life of the late Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who struggled to liberate Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion and the Taliban. These extraordinary stories offer rare insight into the being of a remarkable man whose stature has never been fully recognized.This is Massoud through the eyes of those who knew him, many of whom had worked and fought alongside him in the long Resistance. For those who would care to know the many sides of such an unusual man, this book is for them Massoud explores the life of the late Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who struggled to liberate Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion and the Taliban. Many believe that his assassination on September 9, 2001, was ordered by Al-Qaeda to help clear the way for the attacks of September 11, 2001. These extraordinary stories offer rare insight into the being of a remarkable man whose stature has never been fully recognized in the West. [marcela Grad]. A Meditation Encompassing Many Voices From Many Places, An Intermingling Of Stories And Memories From Family, Friends, Comrades, Limning The Often Elusive Character Of A Complex Man--foreword. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 310).