I am a Christian, and you are a Muslim. I want you to know that your faith in God inspires me. Thank you for sharing.
4
Islam unfortunately is under attack and name Muslim is used.
All these Al Qaeda IMI IS lJ SSP are foreign funded taking advantage of poverty created by mass corruption of Rulers in Pakistan..Taseer family like so many more have paid heavily.Shahbaz is brave and lucky to have rejoined family and being part of ruling class must work for justice and restoration of real spirit of Islam
All these Al Qaeda IMI IS lJ SSP are foreign funded taking advantage of poverty created by mass corruption of Rulers in Pakistan..Taseer family like so many more have paid heavily.Shahbaz is brave and lucky to have rejoined family and being part of ruling class must work for justice and restoration of real spirit of Islam
2
I find it to be quite ignorant, heartless, mean-spirited and ill-informed to use this column as an opportunity to attack Islam and all religion in general. But hey, such people are free to say whatever.
The idea that they are truly blessed to live in a country where they are not killed or persecuted for their words seem to be lost on them.
The idea that they are truly blessed to live in a country where they are not killed or persecuted for their words seem to be lost on them.
2
Taseer's tale is a testament to his inner strength. It is equally a frightening tale of Islamists who want to dominate, control, and rule others, be they Muslims or non Muslims: for those who disagree with Islamist dogma are Kafirs destined for elimination or forced conversion. Allahu Akhbar?? Just sayin'.
4
It is commendable that Mr. Salman Tasseer was in power in Punjab and need not have spoken against the injustice. He could have easily remained a part of the Establishment and enjoyed all the privileges, yet he decided to defend a poor, persecuted minority woman and pay the ultimate price. So long even if a handful of people like Salman Tasseer and Shahbaz Taseer are in Pakistan, and ready to confront injustices in face of torture and hardship, Pakistan has hope and a future. It just takes one candle that fights the harsh winds to show path and give hope. And it is just one candle that can light other and soon the darkness is over. May there be light soon.
7
Up to perhaps ninety thousand persons attended the funeral of Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, the murderer of Salman Taseer, thus:
'According to security sources, the Special Branch had estimated that 20,000 to 25,000 people would attend the funerals. The intelligence agencies and local police had expected around 30,000 to 35,000 people. However, a police official, who requested not to be named, claimed that around 90,000 people attended the funeral prayer.'
http://www.dawn.com/news/1242995/religious-figures-attend-qadris-funeral
This is, in part, why Austria is likely about to vote in Norbert Hofer of the Austrian Freedom Party as Austria's new President, a largely ceremonial but nonetheless symbolic position.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/19/opinion/austrias-election-is-a-warning...
'According to security sources, the Special Branch had estimated that 20,000 to 25,000 people would attend the funerals. The intelligence agencies and local police had expected around 30,000 to 35,000 people. However, a police official, who requested not to be named, claimed that around 90,000 people attended the funeral prayer.'
http://www.dawn.com/news/1242995/religious-figures-attend-qadris-funeral
This is, in part, why Austria is likely about to vote in Norbert Hofer of the Austrian Freedom Party as Austria's new President, a largely ceremonial but nonetheless symbolic position.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/19/opinion/austrias-election-is-a-warning...
2
This is no Bowe Bergdahl story line.
1
I look forward to the day you are able to tell your whole story. I will be first in line to buy your book. You are an inspiration to every person who hears you recount your tale of torture and imprisonment.
5
Sorry but I disagree with the commenters for who Mr. Taseer and his story were inspirational. For me this is yet another proof how dangerous religion is, and, at the same time, how silly it is.
4
You are an inspiration to all but Donald Trump - in whose value system allowing yourself to be captured, rather than surviving this ordeal - who would label you a loser rather than a hero. Remember this on voting day!
4
JK: How in the world did you reach that conclusion? That is truly amazing!
3
"You are an inspiration to all but Donald Trump"
is there limit to this obsession and hysteria regarding donald trump which is encouraged by the editorial board of the NYT. you are responsible for your life not donald trump.
I doubt that Trump would cast aspersion on this truly brave man.
is there limit to this obsession and hysteria regarding donald trump which is encouraged by the editorial board of the NYT. you are responsible for your life not donald trump.
I doubt that Trump would cast aspersion on this truly brave man.
3
Jacrane, to understand JK's allusion, I suggest you read up on Trump's clearly stated contempt for Arizona Senator John McCain:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/trump-attacks-mccain-i-like-people...
'Donald Trump might finally have crossed the line.
Appearing on Saturday at the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, the real estate mogul took his running feud with Arizona Sen. John McCain to a new level.
“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
The remarks, which came after days of back-and-forth between McCain and Trump, were met with scattered boos.'
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/trump-attacks-mccain-i-like-people...
'Donald Trump might finally have crossed the line.
Appearing on Saturday at the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, the real estate mogul took his running feud with Arizona Sen. John McCain to a new level.
“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
The remarks, which came after days of back-and-forth between McCain and Trump, were met with scattered boos.'
1
Inspiring and well-written story. We will prevail over these criminals because of people like Mssr. Taseer, his family and others like them.
2
"My Christian kidnappers tried to break my spirit. But even in the heat of Cuba I found strength." - Taliban Times
5
I am glad Mr Taseer survived the ordeal and lived to tell the tale. I have been following his case for a while, and I am relieved to see he has returned in one piece.
What happened to Mr Taseer and his father Mr Salmaan Taseer is horrible, but it was bound to happen - sooner or later. These are events foretold, direct consequence of the horrible islamisation policies that Pakistan have been pursuing for decades.
Make no mistake - there are no innocents in the state of affairs that has been unfolding in Pakistan. Mr Salmaan Taseer who was gunned down by his own bodyguard was himself no angel either, its just that his level of islamism was considered inadequate by the bodyguard who considered himself at the highest level of religious piousness. Like they say in Pakistan - "is hamam mein sab nangey hein" - everyone in this bathpool is naked. The cesspool of bigotry and hatred that has been created in pakistan has contribution each and every section of their society.
Now - pakistanis have to seriously find ways how to drain this cesspool and dig themselves out of this hole they have dug for themselves. Unfortunately there is no easy way out. The horrible conditions suffered by the author is only the beginning.
What happened to Mr Taseer and his father Mr Salmaan Taseer is horrible, but it was bound to happen - sooner or later. These are events foretold, direct consequence of the horrible islamisation policies that Pakistan have been pursuing for decades.
Make no mistake - there are no innocents in the state of affairs that has been unfolding in Pakistan. Mr Salmaan Taseer who was gunned down by his own bodyguard was himself no angel either, its just that his level of islamism was considered inadequate by the bodyguard who considered himself at the highest level of religious piousness. Like they say in Pakistan - "is hamam mein sab nangey hein" - everyone in this bathpool is naked. The cesspool of bigotry and hatred that has been created in pakistan has contribution each and every section of their society.
Now - pakistanis have to seriously find ways how to drain this cesspool and dig themselves out of this hole they have dug for themselves. Unfortunately there is no easy way out. The horrible conditions suffered by the author is only the beginning.
9
And the problem is as much cultural as religious, making it that much harder to change.
MORAL COURAGE The likes of which were displayed by Shahbaz Taseer is an inspiration to all of us. I wish him and his family all the best.
6
I in no way mean to belittle your ordeal, but I find it rather peculiar that you “clung to [your] faith and the Quran” under such circumstances. While I certainly appreciate the psychological benefit (and complexity) of such a choice, the irony was not lost on me: your captors were doing the exact same thing.
Their irrational and illiberal beliefs in “blasphemy” and “sin”, as well as their militancy, were precisely because of their adherence to the doctrines of their faith as written in the Quran and hadith. Their skewed vision of reality, their belief that they understand the desires of the creator of the universe, and of there being a “cosmic design”, is precisely the kind of thinking that created the Islamist terrorists to begin with.
Jon Stewart said it best: “Religion: It’s given people hope in a world torn apart by religion.”
Their irrational and illiberal beliefs in “blasphemy” and “sin”, as well as their militancy, were precisely because of their adherence to the doctrines of their faith as written in the Quran and hadith. Their skewed vision of reality, their belief that they understand the desires of the creator of the universe, and of there being a “cosmic design”, is precisely the kind of thinking that created the Islamist terrorists to begin with.
Jon Stewart said it best: “Religion: It’s given people hope in a world torn apart by religion.”
14
Nonsense. The most violent regimes of the 20th century were officially atheist justifying themselves on ‘rational’ grounds. To equate religion (or not being rational) with violence is a lazy position. Of course some violence is done in the name of religion but then again some violence is done in the name of democracy (remind me why the US and allies destroyed Iraq). It’s as ridiculous to compare the author with his captors as it is to compare a democracy protester in Cairo, say, with George Bush.
The relationship between superstition, faith, reason and violence is an extremely complex one that demands serious thought and not half-baked Dawkins-esque claptrap.
The relationship between superstition, faith, reason and violence is an extremely complex one that demands serious thought and not half-baked Dawkins-esque claptrap.
1
Mr Taseer's courage and faith are a welcome counterbalance to the gruesome exploits engaged in by ISIS and other militant groups. Not all their victims enjoy a reunion with their loved ones, but they certainly possess more dignity and quiet fortitude than their captors.
6
Thank You!This is a beautifully written story that has touched my heart and caused me to reflect greatly on the idea that nothing can take your freedom away.
It has shown the dignity of the human spirit in a very brave man,Shahbaz Taseer.It is with gratitude that you have reminded me to consider the grace that surrounds us even in the most terrible circumstances that may occur in one's lives.Your father's words have touched me and brought tears to my eyes.I hope for you much Joy and Vitality .
It has shown the dignity of the human spirit in a very brave man,Shahbaz Taseer.It is with gratitude that you have reminded me to consider the grace that surrounds us even in the most terrible circumstances that may occur in one's lives.Your father's words have touched me and brought tears to my eyes.I hope for you much Joy and Vitality .
17
Very encouraging story. Mr. Taseer you deserve admiration
for enduring torture and much hardship. It is necessary to
control the border with Afghanistan. Most of the terrorists
come from there- attack on army public school when
150 children and the teachers were killed, attack on
Baccha Khan University, army trainees dormitory and, of
course, your kidnappers of IMU. It is strange the movement
is of Uzbekistan but the terrorism is perpetrate in
Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hopefully, you will write a book
someday and provide more detail particularly your insight
into the psyche of these brutes. Another good news,
the son of former prime minister Gilani who was kidnapped
has also found his freedom- with the help of American
and Afghani forces.
for enduring torture and much hardship. It is necessary to
control the border with Afghanistan. Most of the terrorists
come from there- attack on army public school when
150 children and the teachers were killed, attack on
Baccha Khan University, army trainees dormitory and, of
course, your kidnappers of IMU. It is strange the movement
is of Uzbekistan but the terrorism is perpetrate in
Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hopefully, you will write a book
someday and provide more detail particularly your insight
into the psyche of these brutes. Another good news,
the son of former prime minister Gilani who was kidnapped
has also found his freedom- with the help of American
and Afghani forces.
6
The pressing issue confronting Islam in the Middle East is when humanistic people like Shahbaz Taseer and his father become the norm and when people who adhere to Islamic fundamentalist terrorism are eliminated from the face of the earth.
6
Thank you for sharing your views, feelings, and the inspiring story. I wish you health and a very happy get-together with your lovely family. Pakistan can be proud of your brave family. The physical pain should remain at the surface, and should not break your spirit. This is an important lesson, one can learn from your brave father Salman Taseer.
7
Shahbaz Taseer, welcome back to the free world, after nearly five years in captivity. There are many questions surrounding your abduction and your release.
Some speculated that a ransom had been paid to your kidnappers. Others said, in the wake of Pakistan's military operations in the Waziristan region, the militants were on the run and found it difficult to hold you. Your ordeal sheds a bright light on the obscure role Pakistan's intelligence service, the ISI plays, in aligning itself behind powerful militant groups like the Haqqani network, or the Afghan Taliban (Quetta Shura), that targeted Western forces in Afghanistan.
Some speculated that a ransom had been paid to your kidnappers. Others said, in the wake of Pakistan's military operations in the Waziristan region, the militants were on the run and found it difficult to hold you. Your ordeal sheds a bright light on the obscure role Pakistan's intelligence service, the ISI plays, in aligning itself behind powerful militant groups like the Haqqani network, or the Afghan Taliban (Quetta Shura), that targeted Western forces in Afghanistan.
7
Keep the faith. Your and your father's spirit will endure forever - long after the Neanderthals of IMU and ISIS and Taliban are gone.
11
I conjecture that Neanderthals were not anywhere near as cruel as these people are. I imagine way back then humans were just trying to stay alive. It's hard to say what defines civilization. Clearly not advanced weapons or technology. This story is about humans torturing other humans who struggle to maintain dignity and hope. What makes people torturers? What gives individuals the ability to rise above it? In this case, strong role models and family ties and belief in a higher power and higher purpose. Blessed be those who rise above.
3
This is a really beautiful peace. The portion about listening to Man U games with one of the guards was particularly poignant. How can two men who are supposedly at such odds both love the same thing?
18
This is a sad story but this gentleman is in a huge state of denial. There is nothing divine or meaningful here. Just an animal's instinct to try to survive. Thinking there is a higher power involved is just really silly.
11
His belief gave him the strength to survive his ordeal. That doesn't mean God exists, it means everyone in his situation should have a focus to help them survive. As an atheist, I read this and thought about what I would turn my mind to as a survival strategy.
18
Your reality is obviously different to his.
8
MK,
Whatever it takes to get through the ordeal. The stories you tell yourself during hardship are a form of self-hypnosis. They help you make it through. They need not be factually accurate.
Whatever it takes to get through the ordeal. The stories you tell yourself during hardship are a form of self-hypnosis. They help you make it through. They need not be factually accurate.
6
Your Country and the rest of us are lucky to have you and families like yours, who are the hopeful future of Pakistan.
21
Bless you, sir.
Thank you for serving as an example of what people can do to fight against terror and injustice.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for serving as an example of what people can do to fight against terror and injustice.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
22
Thank you so much. You are brave and have much wisdom.
3
"I was in God’s hands, not theirs, and I knew that He would protect me and take me home. He did. He worked miracles."
What about the overwhelming majority of kidnapping victims who, unlike you, are killed by terrorists? Why no miracles for them?
What about the overwhelming majority of kidnapping victims who, unlike you, are killed by terrorists? Why no miracles for them?
6
It's your fault, actually.
Who knows? Not you, nor I. But something knows.
Shahbaz,
Thank you for sharing your story. It touches me in ways that I can't fully express in words
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.
Viktor E. Frankl
Thank you for sharing your story. It touches me in ways that I can't fully express in words
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.
Viktor E. Frankl
6
I'm glad he's free and the ordeal is over - but the quote "Even in the mountains of Afghanistan I found strength" - I mean, has anyone even seen the mountains of Afghanistan? There is nothing like them - they are the greatest source of strength in their immeasurable might and beauty! The harshness was in his ordeal, and not connected to the mountains! :)
2
Your writing is as beautiful and magnificent as your strong will, faith and triumph over the darkest despair.
You lifted me.
I send you love and a wish for peace all your days.
You lifted me.
I send you love and a wish for peace all your days.
14
This is an important story — I am putting it into a file of essays I use with high school students (I teach English) so that they can hear about real life endurance. It's not just in heroic fiction. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I like to think of you back with your family and friends.
17
Brave son of a brave father.
8
Kidnapped by one Islamic terrorist group and freed by the Taliban, another Islamic terrorist group.
"I could spend a lifetime being bitter and asking why this happened to me". Come now, Mr. Taseer, is it really that difficult to figure out?
"I could spend a lifetime being bitter and asking why this happened to me". Come now, Mr. Taseer, is it really that difficult to figure out?
7
My goodness.
Thank you for sharing.
And welcome home.
Thank you for sharing.
And welcome home.
8
"...how you react to what happens to you, with what grace you handle misfortune, and the strength and bravery with which you tackle hardship are the things that matter." There is a lifetime's worth of wisdom in this statement from Mr. Taseer. What good or purpose comes from being captured and tortured? There just isn't. But perhaps there is the possibility of facing terrible hardships with moments of grace, strength, bravery.
May you find healing, safety, and reunion with family and friends going forward.
May you find healing, safety, and reunion with family and friends going forward.
10
Your story of courage, faith, and survival reminds me of one of my favorite books, Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl, who survived a concentration camp affiliated with Dachau.
God bless you, and welcome home.
God bless you, and welcome home.
8
Thank you for reminding me that mind and body and spirit are inextricably linked, and that we always have opportunities to be conscious of these precious aspects of ourselves and to care for their well-being. Some people have extraordinary innate strengths, but most of us have to grow and cultivate them to successfully navigate life's challenges and injuries. You are a powerful example of humanity's best traits. God bless.
9
I am glad to that you found the strength to endure the horrors for those four years and live to share your story with the world. I hope that your story of strength, faith, courage and love opens the mind of others and empowers others to find peace with their own situations. God bless and stay strong.
9
Welcome home. Your words show such grace and strength. You inspire me, and I'm certain you inspire much of the world. Thank you for sharing your story.
17
Thank you. Your words are a comfort to many, some of us who recognize the crazy pleasure our favorite team can give in the midst of the worst times in our life and who know that it is how we respond to the worst that happens to us that can be the most inspiring gift to others.
8
Thank you NYT and Mr Taseer for sharing your moving story. I had not expected to read a story about a Taliban elder showing mercy. Men imprison other men, Allah set you free.
Peace to you and your family.
Peace to you and your family.
11
Shahbaz Bhai, you are son of the bravest man of Pakistan, and you have showed how great a human spirit,resilience and courage can be while amidst excruciating state of circumstances. Words will be always short to describe what have you gone through. My best wishes and prays. Stay safe,healthy and happy.
16
How very powerful and moving. Thank you for sharing. Your words speak to what can be the power and dignity of the human spirit. I wish you the very best as you reconnect with your family, friends, and life after imprisonment.
21
What an incredible journey. Horrible things do happen to us in life that are just not our fault and the only power left to us is how we interpret them. You are a mighty fine interpreter, young man. I'm sure that your father on some level is very proud of you . Indeed, as he so sagely advised, you are crafted from "a wood that does not easily burn". God bless you and your family and friends as you embark back into the world of the living...
15
Isn't it ironic that a devout man can be targeted because of his father's position on blasphemy, used as a pawn, and then freed by the Taliban, of all people. The Taliban. Let that sink in.
And we claim to understand this region?? We are like blind babies in a lions den.
Godspeed to you sir.
And we claim to understand this region?? We are like blind babies in a lions den.
Godspeed to you sir.
14
I was lost in your story and could not stop reading. You are an inspiration.
5
You have put your faith to good use to your credit and to that of your father and mother. What an honor on your house and your family.
6
thank goodness president trump will keep muslims like this one from entering the united states.
what? see...trump is a pitiful fool.
what? see...trump is a pitiful fool.
10
No one can break the spirit of a Believer.
[4:104] ... If ye are suffering hardships, they (the foes) are suffering similar hardships; but ye have hope from the Lord, while they have none ...
Welcome back.
[4:104] ... If ye are suffering hardships, they (the foes) are suffering similar hardships; but ye have hope from the Lord, while they have none ...
Welcome back.
3
You are the brave son of a brave Pakistani...I am glad you are free and back home with your loved ones. I hope one day Shahbaz that my sons can grow up and be as strong as you in their faith and unbreakable in spirit.
4
powerful and inspiring. thank you for writing this.
3
I'm overwhelmed and I haven't even finished the article. I read a book by Taseer and I am anxious to read another. I remembered how his father had been shot. I recommended him to friends. Now I will finish the article.
5
Your account of your faith and belief in God is very close to what people who have experienced a Near Death Experience tell us about meeting the Light and their Life Review. If only more people were more highly evolved in their religious thinking, the world would be a more peaceful place.
Reading your account, horrible that it is, has some how brought me, for now at least, a moment of peace.
Thank you.
Reading your account, horrible that it is, has some how brought me, for now at least, a moment of peace.
Thank you.
5
Thank you for sharing.
4
I commend your courage. The religious nuts who wanted to use you were weak men. I hope someday you realize it was you and the power of your mind only that carried you through your ordeal.
6
I do not presume to belittle your narrative, horrible as it was, powerful as you were, but we, here is the US have our prisoners in isolation for months then years, then longer. I do not want to believe we have torture and torturers but we have few limits to brutality including death from that brutality, not from the sentence. And we permit it knowingly, willingly.
7
The types of solitary confinement that we permit in the United States is indeed torture. There is no other word for it.
2
It is our responsibility to improve justice in the world. Whether you believe in God or not, If you do, it is to do God's work through us. If not, it's because we are responsible for the world we make.
1
Thank you for sharing your story and for your courage. In my own opinion, however, it would be so much better if our species as a whole could recognize that there is no divine plan and bowing and scraping to this imagined deity accomplishes nothing. Can't we just be good people and treat each other well because we are happy to be alive? So much strife and evil in the world occurs in an imagined god's name, when we could just accept scientific reality and live the one life we have.
1
This is such a beautifully written and moving piece. You are a remarkable man, and the world is clearly better with you still in it! Thank you for sharing, and yes, welcome back to the world.
13
You are a strong man. Thanks for sharing a very inspiring story. Lesson? Never quit.
4
Thank you for this touching, painful, and wise account of your experiences as a captive. It is amazing and powerful that you were able to survive and find ways to comfort and uplift yourself. You have been fortunate to survive. And I trust that your life will be transformed by this experience in ways that even you might never have anticipated.
Though we share different faiths, we are children of the same God. Blessings upon you, now and in the future. I would love to read all of the true story one day.
Though we share different faiths, we are children of the same God. Blessings upon you, now and in the future. I would love to read all of the true story one day.
9
Shahbaz,
I empathize with your experience and I wish you the best in the rest of the journey that is your life. I also admire the mental fortitude and faith you have held onto so strongly. In a secular world like the one we reside in today, your dedication to God and your belief is laudable and I hope that, should I ever endure an experience even remotely as painful as yours, I am able to keep my faith just as strongly as you have.
I empathize with your experience and I wish you the best in the rest of the journey that is your life. I also admire the mental fortitude and faith you have held onto so strongly. In a secular world like the one we reside in today, your dedication to God and your belief is laudable and I hope that, should I ever endure an experience even remotely as painful as yours, I am able to keep my faith just as strongly as you have.
12
I was moved by your spirit and fortitude. We in Colombia lived through a period of kidnappings, as well. Fifteen years ago, Colombia led the world in such violations with over 3000 kidnappings a year. These were often carried out by leftwing guerrillas who kidnapped the wealthy to raise monies for their struggle. They also abducted politicians to make political demands. However the practice also degenerated into an illegal industry with criminals claiming to be guerrillas as they massively expanded the practice.
Fortunately that moment in our national life has passed. As a condition for peace talks four years ago, the FARC guerrillas agreed to renounce kidnapping and have accepted that forced kidnapping, even in war, is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. And as the political violence has diminished so has the criminal violence.
That we as a nation have come so far in such a short period of time, and indeed are on the eve of signing a definitive peace agreement, is akin to the divine grace that you speak of. We are a religious country, but our long internal war has challenged our faith.
The eloquence with which you have expressed your individual experience is a sign of hope that liberty and spiritual courage can trump violence, torture and death. Colombia lives on the precipice of peace. I wish the same for Pakistan.
Fortunately that moment in our national life has passed. As a condition for peace talks four years ago, the FARC guerrillas agreed to renounce kidnapping and have accepted that forced kidnapping, even in war, is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. And as the political violence has diminished so has the criminal violence.
That we as a nation have come so far in such a short period of time, and indeed are on the eve of signing a definitive peace agreement, is akin to the divine grace that you speak of. We are a religious country, but our long internal war has challenged our faith.
The eloquence with which you have expressed your individual experience is a sign of hope that liberty and spiritual courage can trump violence, torture and death. Colombia lives on the precipice of peace. I wish the same for Pakistan.
31
Welcome back to the world. I don't know what to say that doesn't sound trite, but yours is a powerful story and I am glad you were able to maintain your sanity in such inhumane circumstances. My own difficulties are real, but they are also very small and quite manageable.
78
I'm so sorry for what you had to endure. I' m glad you are free. Taliban, Isis, I still don't understand how can they think they are speaking in G'd's name!
61
It is extraordinary how much pain some people, and the human body, can tolerate and not break irreparably. Sir, the humane world is pleased you are back home with your family. God bless.
99
Thanks for this. It is helpful in my current struggle with childhood trauma.
53
I understand.
You are not alone.
You are not alone.
5
Thank you for openly sharing your horrible experience.
And, as an American, I apologize for the anti-Muslim plague that is spreading throughout the U.S.
Peace be with you and your family.