"The Beginning of an End"

Translated into English by Nima Asi, this work by Abdul Qahar Asi delves into Afghanistan's tumultuous history, drawing stark parallels between the Taliban's 2021 takeover of Kabul and earlier periods of collapse. The book begins with the 1973 overthrow of the Afghan monarchy by Dawood Khan, which led to the establishment of a republic. It then chronicles the 1978 communist coup that sparked Soviet intervention and the subsequent resistance from the mujahideen. After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, internal conflict among the mujahideen ignited a brutal civil war in 1992.

Nima Asi, the translator and a relative of the renowned poet Abdul Qahar Asi, reflects on the poet's experiences during these turbulent times-his initial support for the mujahideen, his eventual opposition to them, and his tragic death during the civil war. The Taliban's return to power is seen by the translator as a somber continuation of Kabul's sorrowful history. This book underscores the importance of understanding the links between Afghanistan's past and its current struggles, while also highlighting the enduring suffering and turmoil faced by the Afghan people.