Living in a country that has been devastated by bitter war for more than thirty years is difficult. Children are killed by suicide attacks or roadside bombs, or sometimes burnt by acid on their way to school. Before I came to the United States last year with my family as refugees, I lived in Herat Province, where I witnessed girls poisoned at school, along with many kidnappings. Some day I wish to go back to Afghanistan to help women and girls, but I don’t know when, or if, it will be possible.
Every day in Afghanistan, people walk with fear and think death is following them. When suicide attacks occur, hearts collapse and breathing becomes difficult. Everyone cries for family or friends. Four years ago, one of my classmates lost her brother, a second-year student in college studying agriculture, to a suicide attack. “He was so young,” she told me. “My mother cannot yet believe that she lost her son, and she will not let us to touch his property. She locked his room and she always tells us that her son will come back one day.” Once my mother was on a bus with the mother of the young man, and the mother began crying when they passed his university.
It is natural that some people want to escape this situation. But sometimes they put themselves in even greater danger when they leave. I watched a video on the news and also on YouTube showing people crying near the Ionian Sea. They also were from Herat and had fled to Iran and Turkey. They wanted to cross the Ionian Sea. A neighbor was in the video. Often people put themselves in danger by going to another country illegally. When my uncle came back he told me how he was crossing the Iran border with a family with three kids but their father could not walk well. At the border, police began shooting, so he and the man’s wife helped the children run and a bullet barely missed his head. Other people hire a racketeer to guide them to walk to Europe or take a small boat and drown in the sea on the way.
A former neighbor of my mother’s fled to Europe and lost his wife and three children. They paid a racketeer to guide them across the Ionian sea. When they saw the police, the guide tried to turn back and began pushing the passengers into the sea because the boat was so heavily loaded. Only one of his sons survived. After this tragedy, he returned to Afghanistan and said, “Now I do not want Europe. I wanted to go there for my family, but now that they are not here, why should I continue?”
Some who reach their destination safely are still deported back to Afghanistan, but often they sold all their property before they left and they arrive in their home country with nothing. Some can start over, but others are not able to.
My uncle also left Afghanistan for Germany, but came back four years ago after deciding that he wanted to stay to develop his homeland. He teaches at a university. But it is dangerous for him. A few weeks ago, his friend was killed in the middle of the day in the center of the city for no reasons we know. He is sad about the death and worried about the lack of security, but he is working for a peaceful Afghanistan for the new generation.
I wish Afghanistan was without war, discrimination, violence, suicide attacks, or killing. I wish everyone lived in peace and nobody wanted to flee. But every day the situation forces more people to leave, and some to endanger their lives in the act of leaving. I hope a day will come where everyone lives in peace and safety.
Zahra W., age 15
The author now lives in the U.S. This piece has also been published in partnership with Women’s eNews Teen Voices. Photo by Simon Monk.
This is a sad but important essay that details the choices that so many Afghan people make, risking all for a new life. So heartbreaking to read about the man who lost all but one son. And, there are so many others just like him, who have lost everything. I echo your hope that one day there will be peace and safety and no one will have to flee. Thank you for writing this.
Its a real struggle and its not simple like people think,yes kinda affect me the struggle to move and see things but the hard thing it’s move forward without looking to the past
DEar Zahra W. I was so touched by your writing. I am so sorry that you children can not have normal happy childhood, instead you see violence and blood. I am so sorry for that.
I also wish that in Afghanistan finally come peace and secure life. But we all need in God, prayers and children like you Zahra jan, should try to make our world better. I was so touched by writings of you. and tears filling my eyes. ((( Wish you good luck in your mission. my name is Delangiz G.
let all world be in peace
Dear Zahra,
This was a moving piece and I am truly upset over how hard it must be to live in Afghanistan at the moment and to not know what the best choice is for the future. I’m from Iran and my parents grew up during a war too so I have heard many stories about their hardships of overcoming it all. There is still hope for your people, and if anything, the war makes you stronger. The situations that you have been placed in have led to you appreciating life so much more. I hope your people and country gains peace and that one day it will always be safe for everyone.
Dear Zahra, It makes my heart broke to read this article because the situation you described: these terrible things happened in Afghan and the people suffered. In this situation, no one knows what is the right choice, to leave or stay. But I strongly believe that one day those terrible things will be gone, you, the Afghanistan, and the country will have a bright future. Someday all the hard works Afghanistan did, such as your uncle, will contribute the society, give hope to the next generation. I hope someday you will live in a peace and modern country, live a happy life.
Thank you for sharing your insights on a terrible issue on right now. It’s really sad to see how people are abusing one another. It’s quite heart-breaking to see people to be in danger in their own communities. The next thing they know they can be assassinated for no reason, like you’re father’s friend. Sadly, I don’t see the situation changing anytime soon.
I feel upset when I read your essay. I don’t see the bright future for this country. People who are educated want to build better life for others, so they come back to their country even though that is dangerous. However, they don’t have the good conditions to do that. The war always threat people’s life in this bad situation. I hope the current situation will change as soon as possible, and Afghan citizens will enjoy better life instead of war.
Dear Zahra,
I am really moved by your piece. It showed me how hard it is to live in Afghanistan at this very moment because there are many life-changing decisions that you have to make. I have some family in Iran and they all tell me how hard life is over there. They describe the difficulties every person goes through. I am really sorry that you are going through all of this, and hopefully everything will become better soon. You are a strong young woman for being able to share your thoughts. I hope your country will soon find peace and that you stay safe.
Dear Zahra,
Reading about all the pain and suffering you are going through makes my heart heart as I am also 15. This story helped put into perspective the privilege I have of living in a developed country. Despite the current state of Afghanistan, optimism is essential. Just know your voice is being heard. That itself is enough to create discourse in order to garner international attention. I not only wish the best of luck for you, but also for your country. I hope Afghanistan becomes a safe space for everyone, included women. The world needs people like you: strong, brilliant, and inspirational.
Reading your piece I realize how much suffering women have to go through in that type of society. It shows how much people oppress women to deprive them of what should be granted to everyone, such as education. This really puts into perspective how much danger women endure day to day. It is amazing how much women are determined to still go to school even after these dangers. This shows how much women are dedicated to being educated. It shows that because of these really extremist beliefs they think that they are justified in kidnapping, and poisoning women and girls. I hope soon Afghanistan will have an equal society and women and girls can live in peace.
Unfortunately our world is plagued with violence and misery. Worse enough, the middle east seems to be the greatest victim of this. I remember when my family members would tell me about stories when they were children in Iran during the Iran-Iraq War and during the Revolutionary period. I remember when my mom told me she was a child running through the streets as a rain of bullets would fly past her as she would try to bring her neighbors water. When my uncle would tell me of just a casual walk in the stress and rockets would fly over their hits and collapse the buildings near them. This is not a world people need to live in. For those bravehearted few who endure this, they have seen the worst yet can bring change to this world.
This article makes my heart feel so sad. I was very hesitant about writing because I am not good at English. But I write since I want to comfort you in your pain. You’ll be able to go to Afghanistan and help many women. And I hope you are happy.
Asalaam Zahra,
I truly am sorry for the experiences you have to go through on a daily basis, that you cannot have a normal childhood of running and playing with little to worry about. My dad growing up in Afghanistan faced many of the same things, so although I myself have never been there my dad’s story are similar to your experiences. He and his family fled from Kabul when he was just 7 years old crossing the border and flying to Germany. Thankfully he reached the United States of America safely, but he recalls friends and neighbors being shot, men with guns on his rooftop, and soldiers dead bodies around him while they fled. I truly am sorry for what happens for my father was fortunate enough to flee and survive but I pray that one day children such as yourself will have a childhood and will be able to run and play with little worries. Your writing is powerful and truth is seen in it all the hardships that both parents and children face on a day-to-day basis. I like you hope that one day there will be peace and safety that instead of fleeing people will come back, will smile, that woman and children will be happy and safe, family’s together with no fear of death, and everyone will enjoy Afghanistan for how it should be. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Zahra,
Your essay really brings to light the incredibly difficult, heart-wrenching lives of Afghan-citizens attempting at a better life. It is so unfair having to live in constant fear of what tomorrow holds. You are incredibly fortunate to be able to have escaped the terror of what is going on in your home country, and it is awesome that you are taking action to bring awareness to the current situation through your writing. I understand your fear of returning to your home country, and that is very sad, but it is important to keep a positive outlook and have hope for the people who are not able to free themselves from this incessant fear of death. By this essay, I hope that support is gained for the movement towards a safe, equal society where women have the freedom to live on their own and make their own decisions, not living in constant fear of their husbands’ retaliation or bombings which are a result of irrational men with access to weapons. I hope that soon, nobody in Afghanistan will have to live in fear and your essay helps spread the word about the injustice of this situation, and for that, your voice is being heard.
Zahara described the horrible condition of living in her country. People lived with the fear of death as suicide bombs and other attacks occur from day to day. She used the case of her friend’s family as an example to show the trauma the attacks have left for mothers of passed away children. Zahara also explains that escaping is not really an option either as it will take many people to greater danger, losing their lives. I was really touched when the neighbor of Zahara’s mother, have lost his family during their attempt to escape, said: “ Now I do not want Europe. I wanted to go there for my family, but now that they are not here, why should I continue?”. I feel sorry for the victims of the situation in Iran, suffering the state of not having any where to go, anything to rely on, and not much of an option in life. I hope one day the situation will improve and Zahara will be able to, as she said, be able to go back and help her country.
Zahra,
I feel really sorry to hear about the condition in your motherland, where people have live among constant dangers and try so hard to just survive. When I see you write about people flee from your country and die on their way to other places; the suicidal attack that caused the death of your friend’s brother; the girl who got poisoned at school and your uncle’s miserable lost, I feel unfair for people in your country. I can not imagine if these things happen to me and it is so brave of you to stand out and speak for your country. Fortunately, there is someone like your uncle attempting to change all this. Thank you for sharing your experience, your story is really touching and hopefully it will help more people get to know about Afghan and get many possible help. I hope things get better in your country and one day people can live a normal life.
Zahra,
I feel really sorry to hear about the condition in your motherland, where people have live among constant dangers and try so hard to just survive. When I see you write about people flee from your country and die on their way to other places; the suicidal attack that caused the death of your friend’s brother; the girl who got poisoned at school and your uncle’s miserable lost, I feel unfair for people in your country. I can not imagine if these things happen to me and it is so brave of you to stand out and speak for your country. Fortunately, there is someone like your uncle attempting to change all this. Thank you for sharing your experience, your story is really touching and hopefully it will help more people get to know about Afghan and get many possible help. I hope things get better in your country and one day people can live a normal life.
Though I don’t live in Afghan or Europe, I often hear about the news that lots of refugees from Afghan or other middle east countries run away to Europe. They need to give up their all peopers and face great danger when they pass through Mediteranean. After they arrive Europe,some of they can’t get job, some of them are captured and others surfered discrimination a lot. It’s seem super difficult to decide wheather to leave Afghan or not.Your story really brings to light the incredibly difficult, heart-wrenching lives of Afghan-citizens attempting at a better life. You are incredibly fortunate to be able to have escaped the terror of what is going on in your home country, and it is awesome that you are taking action to bring awareness to the current situation through your writing. I hope that one day you can achieve your dream that you can go back to Afghan to help women and girls here and rebuild your mother land.
Dear Zahra,
Thank you for writing this essay that illustrates the miserable situation in Afghanistan. It’s just so heartbreaking to see all the sufferings that you have been through, and I feel so sorry for Afghan people who have experienced or are experiencing all these hardships. I especially feel sad when reading the story of your mother’s neighbor, who lost his family during their attempt to flee. It really makes me realize that Afghan people were driven into a corner, and they have little opportunity of making their life better. I really hope that the situation in Afghanistan will get better and people will no longer suffer from violence and tribulation.
Thank you for sharing and hope Afghanistan will get rid off war, discrimination, violence, suicide attacks, or killing. It is pretty sad to hear all these stories that I haven’t heard before and I am super impressed. I have never imagined that there is life like this and really wish you could have a better life. I’ve really impressed by your uncle in the story since it is really magnificent to put oneself in dangerous in order to improve one’s own country.
Dear Zahra,
this is such a sad article that makes my heart broken. It’s so tough for the kids and women to live in a country that has wars. Like the story you told, the mom can’t get over the death of his young son. Even it’s already past for years, she still believes her son will come back on e day. Every time she saw the things that can related to the kids, she will cry. This is so unfair for her. The bad things will cover her for the whole life. You are so brave to stand out and say that someday you want to go back to Afghanistan to help women and girls. I really hope that one day in the future, all the wars will disappear from the world even though I know it’s hard to come true. Finally, thanks for your writing and hope the wars in Afghanistan will end and all the things will get better.
Dear Zahra,
I am thanking you for sharing a piece of your life that might have not been so easy to tell. I was moved by your explanation of the matter of whether to stay or to leave and it shows clearly the danger in both choices. I thought when I saw the title that leaving would be the obvious choice to make tho by your words that showed me how it is also dangerous to leave and the good reasons present to staying. I believe that it is possible to, by time, improve the social and physical problems in Afghanistan and it shows great courage and braveness to stay or go.
I am grateful that you were able to write despite your sadness and you helped me, and I am sure, loads of others to understand and see the world in a different way.
Dear Zahra,
I thank you for sharing these experiences. I cannot imagine how difficult and scary it is to live in these conditions, especially because the stories you recounted are all from people you know. I would have expected that in those situations that more people would have taken the risk to leave, but I now understand how dangerous both staying and leaving are. I am grateful to read this and be able to see you writing about this struggle you have witnessed and experienced first hand, and I hope more people from around the world are able to read this and understand the bravery it takes to persevere.
Zahra,
I am glad you could share your experience and stories with everyone on this website. I have many Afghan friends who have fathers or uncles who have experienced similar dangers of Afghanistan, so I have heard about other frightening experiences. While it is now a very dangerous and hurtful place, I too hope that there will someday be peace and safety for all who I’ve there. It hurts to hear about so many people who have lost so much, however, it is very important that their stories are shared and heard and for that, you are to be thanked. Thank you for being brave enough to tell people about these stories.
Dear Zahra, I feel so sorry of all the hardship that you and your family have to go through, and i really appreciate for sharing the these story. After reading your story I realize how much people suffer in a country that full of violence. I felt so bad that when you describe the situation that how the trauma the attacks have left for moms of passes away children, and how escaping is not really an option that will sometime cause to lose their lives. I was so touching that even people knew how bad the consequence and the situation will be and they still choose to stay, and others have the courage to leave the place that they grew up. I really hope that one day the country will be peaceful and wealthier.
Hi Zahra, my name is adi. I am 12 years old and I have never experienced anything as sad or traumatic as you have. I was born in the USA and I want very badly to help people all over the world. Thank you for sharing that essay with me. It is sad to hear but I guess it is better to know these things exist and be inspired by them than be ignorant about the world and do nothing your whole life, right? Well, you are a beautiful writer and I hope you keep writing for a very long time. I read some of your other writing and commented but did not put my name so I guess you won’t know which comment is mine. Oh well! You are really inspiring Zahra, so thank you.
I am fifteen years old and live in the United States and am shocked by the experiences that you faced in your childhood. I cannot even begin to imagine the perpetual fear you and those around you must have been living in at that time. I also think it is extremely unfair that many countries do not willingly accept refugees who have been through so many traumatic and frightening experiences that you and others from Afghanistan have been through. The fact that you even have to think twice about leaving your situation in Afghanistan is a disgrace to all the countries who deported refugees. How can they not show a little sympathy to those who have fled violence in search of a better life?
When I read the title of this article for the first time, I thought: “Well of course it is better to leave a place where there is violence and danger all the time!”. But now I can better understand the situation of you and all your friends and family. Even though you may be leaving temporarily, there is an even greater risk that you may end up in an even worse situation if a certain country does not accept you.
Lastly, I admire your courage in writing this piece, especially at the age of fifteen. Such stories are the ones that inspire people like me to do something to help people like you who are fleeing violence.
Dear Zahra, I’m pleased that you have decided to share your story with us. I know what you are going through and have experienced the same dilemma. I am an Afghan myself and have experienced both sides of your story. Running away from Afghanistan and wanting to go back to it. It’s not an easy decision to make. We hear about the situation in Afghanistan every day and sadly, it’s not getting any better than it was before, if not worse. Many of my own family members are in Afghanistan and are trying to stay cautious. We don’t know when the situation will get better so that we can go to Afghanistan and help those who need it, and we don’t know how long it will stay as a country defined by war. But what we can do is try to raise awareness of what is happening in the lives of the civilians affected by years of war. Girls like you sharing their stories help build at least a sliver of awareness in the community if not a lot of it. Let’s continue to pray for those who are struggling with their lives and hope for the best. Stay strong!
Zahra,
Your story highlighted the enormity and severity of the situation faced by the people of Afghanistan. It is unfortunate, the suffering, pain and anxiety that women and girls in Afghanistan have to face on a daily basis. It really broke my heart to read that people cannot feel a sense of peace or safety in their own homeland, without being the target of senseless terror and killings. I couldn’t imagine the sense of fear they feel, and it pains me to think of the effects that these attacks have on the Afghan people. One story that you mentioned that really touched me was the story of the man who tragically lost his wife and children while trying to escape the country. His situation is one that should never happen to anyone, and it is terrible to think that tragedies like this happen to many people on a daily basis.
I applaud you for posting this story, and trying to get your message to be heard, and bring attention to the atrocities that you have seen occur. I hope that the situation is resolved, and that the principles of equality are upheld once again. No one should have to make the choice to stay or leave their own home country in fear of their safety.
Dear Zahra,
I thought you really did a phenomenal job in writing this article. I was able to vividly capture the ongoing tensions in Afghanistan and its severity. I was very emotional while reading in this article about the different types of violence that you discussed such as war in general,, sucicide attacks, killing, and discrimination. You quoted a few examples from your own life and I was able to fully sympathize and empathize with the people you mentioned in those examples. And regarding whether to stay in Afghanistan or not, you explain how many Afghans really desire to have peace and live a happy life absent of severe struggles. You mentioned how it was and still is tough to cross the Afghanistan border for people that plan to flee or just leave their country. It was mentally painful to think about these struggles as well as your examples, but it must have been even more painful for those in Afghanistan who actually undergo these problems. Before, I have never really thought about how difficult it must have been for unfortunate people in general who face extreme tensions, but once reading this article, I was able to fully reflect on our world from your’s as well as others’ experiences.
Dear Zahra,
I can only imagine what you have experienced in life at the same age as me. The bravery you have to share your experiences with the world is immeasurable and I thank you for allowing me to gain an insight as to what life around you is like. The difficulties of living in Afghanistan that you have highlighted are truly tragic and I am extremely sorry that you had to deal with those difficulties. The way in which you have written this piece of literature does an amazing job in putting the readers into your shoes so that they may try to begin to understand what you have gone through during your times in Afghanistan. I am in full agreement with your wishes about the future of Afghanistan and I hope that they do come true. It is extremely impressive to see that you are thinking in the most noble ways that you can and it is voices like yours that will eventually go on to institute structural change which will improve lives for those dealing with the same things you have before. Your writing and goals are incredibly inspiring and I hope to see more of them in the future.
Dear Zahra,
Thank you so much for sharing the stories of you and people you know with us. Your writing makes an impact by showing readers the issues and fears people in Afghanistan have to face everyday. I’m sorry you’ve had to experience so much sadness and fear and I also hope peace and happiness can be found. I admire you for wanting to go back to Afghanistan and help the women and girls there as much as you can, your strength allows others to grow as well. I can’t imagine the hardships you, your friends, and your family have had to face but I hope it is better now and that it will continue to in the future.
Dear Zahra,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. Your experience reminds me of a book I read, The Other Side of the Sky by Farah. It’s hard to imagine if I am living in the same place as you, but I can feel how many hardships and struggles you’ve been through. As a child growing up in China and now studying in the U.S., all I need to worry about are getting good grades and attending different activities, but the lives of Afghans are at risk every single moment; I really need to cherish my life and pray for them. The situation is tough when fleeing from Afghanistan or staying there is neither a good choice; I am sorry about that. Fortunately, you came to the United States, but I know your friends and neighbors are still dealing with what happened every day in your home town. I wish Afghanistan will become more developed and have fewer wars occurred that affected its residents. Hope the entire world will be peaceful as soon as possible and there will be no wars anymore.
Dear Zahra,
It is truly distressing to hear about the lack of control you and others have over the situation. Often, people who have not been exposed to this type of difficulty hear about the chaos and danger experienced in the middle east. However, I did not consider the weight of knowing that even though it is dangerous to live there, it is perhaps even riskier to try to flee to other countries. In a sense, I also feel powerless because even though I know that those are terrible conditions to live by, as someone who lives in a privileged position, I wish that something could change about this, yet I don’t know exactly how. I think I got the sense that even though every day is extremely tough, every one of you is holding on as best as they can in whatever way that they can. It was particularly inspiring to hear the story of your uncle, who decided to care for others instead of simply escape by himself.
This really is a heartbreaking story and it’s quite an eye opener. While there are many success stories of making it to Europe and having a happy life, it’s important to keep in mind those who failed and those who lost more than they gained. The European Union has been quite iffy with its stance on immigration from war-ridden countries. While I understand the difficulty to regulate immigration when coming and taking a stance could potentially be dangerous, I feel everyone should have a safe place to live and an education, something many don’t have in Afghanistan.
I agree with you Zahra, as you have vividly described the many dangerous events that occured in Afghanistan are more like a survival game. It is heartbreaking knowing that people had to go through such life threatening situations, and you have lived through this traumatizing time, and witnessed the hurt children with your own eyes. Having to see your loved ones die because of someone else’s wrongdoing is truly unfair and although some people have successfully escaped the dangers in Afghanistan, there are many who are still suffering. This brief story explains that Afghanistan is mostly a game of escape and run from the dangers that others put upon the system. However, the world we live in now has dramatically changed from its historical and yet very cruel times from many wars and has become (somewhat) peaceful, as most of us choose whether to stay or leave.
Dear Zahra,
I found your story truly eye opening. I had never realized just how dangerous it was to try and leave Afghanistan and make it to the safety of Europe. It’s very sad to hear how many have drowned and have been killed attempting to reach a better life. I can’t imagine how different the experience is at schools in Afghanistan. It would be hard to even focus on school in the United States if we had to always worry about being attacked, poisoned and kidnapped while just trying to learn in school. I’m not sure I would ever leave my home if I had to worry about being killed while just trying to make it to school for the day.
Knowing that you were 15 year old, endlessly terrifies me. From 2022 back to 2016, in a way, I can somewhat understand and sympathize with you also as a teenager, in the middle of violence. A military coup took place in my home country. Now my home is lead by a dishonrable traitor, allowing soldiers to rape, kill and burn innocent people. I know what it is like to have fear in our hearts as we walk down the road we do everyday. I have felt the fear of guns firing and bombs exploding near us. But even I don’t understand nearly as much as you do about the fear of not having the option to escape. This will cut deep wounds in a teenagers life. The wounds will heal, but the scars stay with you.
Asalaam Zahra,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights into the ill-fated lifestyle of the people in Afghan communities. It is very upsetting to hear about the difficulties people of Afghan background endure when they are immigrating to other countries or staying in their homeland. I greatly sympathize with the hardships of young families, especially in their daily life of walking to school. As a strong believer that every individual deserves to have a strong education in their childhood, the poor treatment of Afghan people represents the presence of racial inequality in our society. In the final paragraph of your touching essay, you share your aspirations of Afghanistan and your hopes of a better environment in which people live in tranquility. It is important to stay positive about the future of Afghanistan as activists like you in the new generation are major drivers to change the perspective of others on Afghan people. I greatly admire the strong connection, loyalty, and connection people of Afghanistan have with their homeland and wish for a society “without war, discrimination, violence, suicide attacks, or killings”. Nonetheless, I greatly support your stance on the unfortunate situation and circumstances of the Afghan people and hope that one day your country will be a prosperous place to live.
I am horrified by the atrocities people face everyday in Afghanistan. I don’t think I ever took the time to let it all sink in. The fact that leaving their country is more dangerous than staying is mind-blowing, and yet people, knowing this, still try to flee because of how dangerous it is in their home country. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live your life in constant fear, to be afraid of something so simple as walking to the grocery store is atrocious. How is it possible that some parts of the world are in such bad conditions and in other places people are allowed to carry around weapons and aren’t being punished when they kill someone under the pretense that they did it in “self-defense”. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am amazed by your strength and perseverance.^&X
Thank you so much for writing this. I think that it is important for people to read this so that they understand just how much the people of Afghanistan have to go through. It’s really quite sad that a lot of them suffer both in and out of the country, but most people only focus on them suffering inside Afghanistan, and forget that trying to escape can be really harrowing as well. It’s sad that people have to rely on racketeers and other means in order to reach a safer place, and so we should try and make it easier and safer for refugees to settle in other countries. I’m older than you were at the time of writing and I can’t imagine waking up everyday and hoping that I don’t end up poisoned, kidnapped or killed. We need to pay more attention to accounts like yours, so that people can understand what Afghans are going through.
Dear Zahra,
I am stunned by your writing, and the way you depicted what everyday life is like in Afghanistan. The way that simple actions like walking to school can be life-threatening just shows how much people take safety for granted in other countries like the US. As a student myself, the fear of going to school every day and being at risk of being poisoned or kidnapped is something I cannot begin to imagine, and I admire the courage it took for you to shed light on their struggles. Even with those terrible conditions, it’s still an ongoing struggle for Afghans to escape their home country and I wish more people would be made aware of this to help people escape, not force them back into a prison. It pains my heart to read about the stories of individuals, and it’s so unfair that they risked losing family just to attempt a better life. And even so, there’s still that dilemma that you encapsulated in your title “To stay or to go”, that dilemma of escaping or staying behind in Afghanistan with hopes to improve it. I was especially touched by the story of your uncle who remained in Afghanistan hoping to improve it. In the end, it’s the people who cling to hopes of improving these countries, instead of turning a blind eye to them, are the only way to prevent further suffering. Thank you so much for sharing your story and the stories of those who struggled just for a chance at a better life.
This story has made me realize the true effects of what is happening in Afghanistan. In a way it seems that there is no win condition but rather just a constant lose-lose situation. Your words have humbled me plenty as you have shown me that stressing over a test or feeling sad over small incidents truly is insignificant compared to the trauma that you and the people of Afghanistan have to face daily. Having to go through what you are facing in my opinion is very unfair as you guys are completely innocent and are just always trying to look for a better quality of life, but others who are selfish terrorize and take that away from you. I hope that the situation will get better or the innocent people are able to leave without being deported back.
–Zahra: Your story affected me quite a bit. The atmosphere of fear and the constant threat of death that you describe is something that is almost inconceivable to me as a relatively sheltered Westerner. I understand that you’re in the United States now, so Welcome, and I hope that your experience here is quite a bit better than it was there. If you could add to your story, I would wonder about how your experience was coming here, after so many of those you know met the great challenges, and even death, that you described. So again, thank you for sharing your pain and your fear. It was very moving, and I hope that with enough people that feel as you do, we can begin to make this world a slightly less frightful place.
Asalaam alaikum Zahar,
You speak my father’s story. He had to flee Afghanistan due to war when he was just a child. His home, comfort, friends, and family ripped out of his hands over night by conflict that is still present today. It saddens me that I have yet to see the beauty of my country with my own eyes, not just in the stories my father would tell me. No one should have to decide between their home or their safety. Your story is sorrowful, but one everyone must hear. The video clip provided within the paper really touched me. You could clearly see the pain in the people’s eyes and the heartbreak in their voice. This is the story of our people, yet they were never given the voice to write it. So thank you for taking the pen back from oppression and having the courage to put it on paper.
Asalaam Zahar,
You speak my father’s story. He had to flee Afghanistan due to war when he was just a child. His home, comfort, friends, and family ripped out of his hands over night by conflict that is still present today. It saddens me that I have yet to see the beauty of my country with my own eyes, not just in the stories my father would tell me. No one should have to decide between their home or their safety. Your story is sorrowful, but one everyone must hear. The video clip provided within the paper really touched me. You could clearly see the pain in the people’s eyes and the heartbreak in their voice. This is the story of our people, yet they were never given the voice to write it. So thank you for taking the pen back from oppression and having the courage to put it on paper.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. A specific part that was mentioned that really made me think about us, as people was when the surviving boy from his journey to Germany had said “I wanted to go there for my family, but now that they are not here”. This was a crazy statement to here because if you are agreeing to help a family, or really anyone, it doesn’t mean you get rights to ‘save yourself’ however you want. The moment that an Individual agrees to help other in this situation, they should understand that they are people too and their lives do matter, just because they are not as fortunate as you to have a job and such, doesn’t mean you have power over them. Just thinking about how these difficult situations force others to act makes me think about how many people are struggling an unable to tell their story. I could never imagine constantly fearing may life, afraid to go outside of my own house! This is something that I don’t think I will ever have to experience and for that I am grateful because If I was ever faced with this situations “to stay or to go”, I’m not sure what I would answer.
Dear Zahra,
Thank you for voicing your experience of Afghanistan by talking about the frequent attacks on schools, the sorrow from your mother’s loss, and the harsh conditions kids living in the area had to suffer. These feelings and emotions are all hard to put into words, but the way you write of these experiences truly impacts the perspective others bring to this issue. From start to finish, I felt the uncertainty in your tone and the constant question of whether Afghanistan was ever going to be a safe place like the rest of the world. Your perspective not only speaks for yourself but also represents the underlying truth behind something all women have experienced one way or another in Afghanistan. Once again, I thank you for shining light on this topic and expressing your perspective on the difficulties that persist from staying in Afghanistan or when trying to alleviate the pressure by running afar.