World Picks from the Editors: AUGUST
Film and photography festivals, concerts, art, standup comedy, lectures...TMR World Picks run the gamut and are selected by our editors.
Afghanistan
“The Social Media Kids”—a short story by Qais Akbar Omar
In Qais Akbar Omar’s short story, a surprise homecoming threatens to upend the lives of a 14-year-old and her independent mother in Kabul.
Three Poems by Somaia Ramish
Somaia Ramish's poems, originally in Persian, decry violence against women, underage or forced marriage, poverty and the impact of extremism and war.
Sahar Muradi presents two poems from OCTOBERS
Heartbreak and echoes, as a poet recalls the US invasion and occupation of her native Afghanistan, the death of her father, the sudden end of a love, and the birth of her daughter.
Hollywoodgate—New Doc Captures the Post-American Taliban
Iason Athanasiadis reviews a documentary of an Egyptian's observations of the first year of the Taliban's new regime.
The Legacy of the CIA, from Graveyard Empire
Austro-Afghan reporter Emran Feroz has published a new book on four decades of intervention in Afghanistan, with a chapter on the CIA's legacy.
War Weariness & Absurdity in Jamaluddin Aram’s Debut Novel
Something beyond war-weariness informs Jamaluddin Aram’s depiction of 1990s Afghanistan in his debut novel, writes Rudi Heinrich.
“Kabul’s Haikus”—fiction from Maryam Mahjoba
In this short story by Maryam Mahjoba, a teacher from Japan travels to Afghanistan to teach at a girl's school.
The Paranda Network—Afghan Women Writing
Breaking stereotypes that their country is only about war, Afghan women continue to write despite the Taliban, writes Lillie Razvi.
“My Mother is a Tree”—a story by Aliyeh Ataei
Aliyeh Ataei's new story centers on a young woman exploring herself as a writer while choosing life in Paris.
Afghan Cuisine’s Rice Dishes—Delectables of the Silk Road
Afghan American writer Sumaira Akbarzada shares several of her family's favorite rice dishes, recalling her trips to Afghanistan.
Zara Houshmand, Moon and Sun
Writer, editor and literary translator Zara Houshmand presents her new book of Rumi translations, Moon and Sun.
Broken Home: Britain in the Time of Migration
Malu Halasa tells the story of refugees seeking asylum in Britain who brave the dangerous waters of the English Channel.
Going Home—a photo essay by Jassem Ghazbanpour
These days, for Iranian photographer Jassem Ghazbanpour, who began shooting the Iran-Iraq war at age 16, home is where he points his camera.
Three Poems by Tishani Doshi
Madras, Indian-born poet, writer, and dancer Tishani Doshi presents three of her latest poems.