Understanding the Taliban and its history in Afghanistan is crucial to discerning what is currently happening. Without knowledge of the past, how can we judge any current situations? This is an extremely rudimentary guide rooted in understanding the basics of the Taliban and Afghanistan. Because of the nature of American and Afghan relations, most available information leans heavily on the discussion of terrorism and misinformation regarding war crimes. We have strived to create a collection that sifts through these important issues, but keeping our current focus on the impact of the Taliban reign on Afghan families, children, and women. If you have additions, concerns, or critiques, please feel free to reach out via email.
https://www.nytimes.com/article/who-are-the-taliban.html
The Taliban rule is dangerous for all people of Afghanistan, but the largest threat of such an authoritative reign lands on women, children, and the LGBTQ community. These following articles showcase the impact of the Taliban rule on women, and subsequently children. Other aticles will delve into the threat against queer Afghans' future and freedom in Afghanistan.
Books
Here is a small recommendation of books revolving around Afghanistan and the Taliban reign. This collection explores Afghanistan's inner-state relations along with the lives of Afghan people. This collection is striving to give a glimpse of the strength to overcome and also feelings of displacement of Afghan people under Taliban rule.
For Adults
Dear Zari: The Secret Lives of the Women of Afghanistan by Zarghuna Kargar
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
No Good Men Among the Living by Anand Gopal
My Forbidden Face Growing up Under the Taliban : A Young Woman's Story by Latifa
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
For Kids
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
The Breadwinner: a graphic novel by Deborah Ellis
Extra Credit by Andrew Clements
Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter
Films
The article below is incredibly important because it delves into the discussion of film as a form of protest. When the Taliban gained rule in the late 1990's, they banned movies, music, and television. Many Afghan filmmakers made dangerous decisions to protect their life's work. The first five movies are suggested in the article and made by Afghan filmmakers. The rest of the list dives into the relationship of Afghanistan and America, which includes most of its storytelling through war. Please note this history is important, but should not be the only information we digest about Afghanistan and its people.
https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/taliban-hates-films-why-you-need-to-watch-these-four-afghan-movies-now/719978/
The Forbidden Reel
The Orphanage
Wolf and Sheep
Hava, Maryam, Ayesha
Osama
The Breadwinner
Restrepo
The Road to Guantanamo
Taxi to the Dark Side
Frame by Frame
Reel-Unreel
**Most of these movies are not family friendly with the exception of The Breadwinner.**
Support
If you would like to support the many communities of Afghanistan being displaced during this time, please utilize this tool from the
Looking Out Foundation. They have compiled an invaluable tool to assist us all in supporting Afghanistan's refugees and those who have decided to stay in their homeland. If you would like to donate directly to LGBTQ Afghans, please follow this link to the
Rainbow Railroad.
Another big thank you to our friend, Keva Kreeger for putting this resource guide together for us!