Description
”Why did human beings denounce murder and immortalise the conqueror? Why was killing illegal, but warfare glorified?
InsaanThe Kabul Peace House
A fitting book for today’s radical climate
In the past century, the systems of governance human societies have adopted are hurling us on the road to mutually assured destruction. Our political leaders are failing to make the necessary and immediate changes needed to battle environmental destruction, eradicate warfare and demand equality for all global citizens. More and more people are turning to grassroots community organising to take back the power that should belong to the people. The latest example of this is in the most unlikely of places, Afghanistan.
What we can learn from a community of young Afghans?
This is a story of individual and collective power. The community believes that change starts with the individual and grows through constructive, cooperative, community work. At the heart of the young volunteers’ work is relationship-building and the atomic power of love. This is a story of power and who can wield it. It’s a story of change and who can affect it. Ultimately this is a story of hope.
This is a book for changemakers
It is a book for the politically uninspired; for those who don’t believe they can make a difference. It is a book for people who have lost hope; for those who are looking for inspiration. It is a book for the curious; for those who want to learn about our world and the amazing people in it. It is a book for adventurers and explorers; for philosophers and academics. It is a book that will make you cry and laugh and it will uplift and inspire.
”What a rare and wonderful creature this book is – a hope-filled, good news story from Afghanistan.
Fiona CappThe Sydney Morning Herald
”A unique and lyrical portrait, which does not focus on the vicious cycle of Afghanistan's wars, but on peace building. Nobody has quite depicted the young generation of peacemakers in Afghanistan as Isaacs does in this stimulating book.
Ahmed RashidBest-selling author of The Taliban
How can you help?
1) Donate
Now that the Taliban are in control of Afghanistan, the peace house has ceased its operations. However, donations will help support the vulnerable community members who remain at serious risk of persecution.
Donations (in the process of acquiring tax deductible status) can be made to:
World BEYOND War Australia
Account Number: 207 803 347
BSB: 633 000
2) Private sponsorship
You can help resettle community members through private sponsorship to North America.
3) Write an email
Emails will be directed to members of the community.
4) Download a study guide
Download the FREE study guide for the Kabul Peace House and educate students about Afghanistan, the peace house and the mission of nonviolence.
Peter Graves –
This book is an outstanding tribute to a group of people in Afghanistan who refused to allow the “old ways” to stop them thinking about peace in Afghanistan.
And – even more importantly – how to make it happen. By bringing together Afghans of different backgrounds, such as Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and other minorities I had not previously known about.
To live together, share their experiences and become aware that the “old ways” of ancient enmities and hostilities would not serve a peaceful Afghanistan in the future. To learn each other’s languages of Dari and Pashto. This included educating street children hustling to make a living from collecting rubbish or polishing shoes.
Then spread this awareness amongst other towns and villages, promoting opportunities to prepare Afghanistan for peace. As improbable as that may seem today. Mark Isaac’s writing makes all this real and brings it home to the western reader.
Remember that Afghanistan is much more than the never-ending military conflicts in which 41 Australian soldiers have died. When the foreign military forces have left, the people of Afghanistan will remain – to cope, to dream, to hope.
As Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.
For anyone with hope about “the graveyard of empires” and the people of Afghanistan – this is a must read.
(declaration: I have supported several other programs reaching out to the people of this country).