64. 9/11 -- 10 Years Later
America:
Thousands of lives lost.
Afghanistan:
Thousands of lives lost.
America:
Holes in the ground.
Afghanistan:
Holes in the ground.
America:
Memories of lost ones and stolen moments.
Afghanistan:
Memories of lost ones and stolen moments.
America:
Sleepless nights wondering about tomorrow.
Afghanistan:
Sleepless nights wondering about tomorrow.
America:
Living in fear of future attack by terrorists.
Afghanistan:
Living every day with attacks by terrorists.
America:
Less desire to travel.
Afghanistan:
Not allowed to travel.
America:
Select few have made millions as a result while the majority of Americans suffer.
Afghanistan:
Select few have made millions as a result while the majority of Afghans suffer.
America:
Loss of trust in Government
Afghanistan:
Lost of trust in Life
Both of have suffered. Neither asked for it. Terrorists were Arabs whose nations have become richer, more developed, and are prospering with no need to explain, compensate or even apologize for the devastation they caused in the last 10 years. 9/11 wasn't a one time event. It was a trigger for all the suffering, loss and devastation and hopelessness that has resulted from it in the last decade. As I watch the images and videos of 9/11 played over and over again on TV today, I wonder if the perpetrators are sitting back satisfied that they accomplished what they set out to do...9/11 is no longer a date in a year which comes after 9/10 and before 9/12. It won't be for a very long time if ever. Why do we give them so much power, so much satisfaction, so much validation and so much motivation? For once, I wish we could just wake up and live 9/11 as if it were the day after 9/10 and the day before 9/12 so that they know they failed.
Nilufar, thank you for a poignant framing of this date, and letting us see the Afghan perspective on the legacy of 9/11. Very well written.
ReplyDeleteI like your essay, but you are doing the same what other people are doing "Generalizing". You said the perpetrators or the terrorists were Arabs?!! Who is bombing Masajids and schools in Southern Afghanistan and Pakistani borders, I think it's few extremists who do not follow Islam by 1% and claim they are doing all this for Islam and in the name of Allah (swt).
ReplyDeleteI think it is time for us Muslims to stop pointing fingers at others so we don't get blamed by the west for it. What is happening in Afghanistan for the last 35 years is not the fault of anyone but us....
Your comparisons were amazing! I also agree what the above person said that it's no one else' fault but our own.
ReplyDeleteAmina