Three Cups of Tea
I have always been a bit hawkish in my view on the war on terror, but I have modified my perspective after reading "Three Cups of Tea," by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.
I admit, the title intrigued me. This well written book about Mortenson's passion for education in the remote areas of Pakistan and Afganistan has given me a better understanding of the problems we face in the war on terror. It explains the life-investment one man is making as he competes for the minds of the illiterate against those who would rather teach radical fundamentalist Islamic teaching, known as Wahhabism. These are the inventors of the "University of Jihad," and their schools, or Madrassas, are growing in numbers as are their followers.
One quote from page 244: "The work Mortenson is doing building schools is giving thousands of students what they need [and cherish] most- a balanced education and the tools to pull themselves out of poverty." The need is severe and the state cannot fill it.
I would tell you more, but I have yet to finish. I'll keep you posted - or I can recommend that you get a copy and enjoy it yourself. Hope for a happy ending.
I admit, the title intrigued me. This well written book about Mortenson's passion for education in the remote areas of Pakistan and Afganistan has given me a better understanding of the problems we face in the war on terror. It explains the life-investment one man is making as he competes for the minds of the illiterate against those who would rather teach radical fundamentalist Islamic teaching, known as Wahhabism. These are the inventors of the "University of Jihad," and their schools, or Madrassas, are growing in numbers as are their followers.
One quote from page 244: "The work Mortenson is doing building schools is giving thousands of students what they need [and cherish] most- a balanced education and the tools to pull themselves out of poverty." The need is severe and the state cannot fill it.
I would tell you more, but I have yet to finish. I'll keep you posted - or I can recommend that you get a copy and enjoy it yourself. Hope for a happy ending.
posted by Portsmouth Tea Blogger | 4:51 PM
2 Comments:
It's a great book! It does cause one to look at the war on terror a bit differently. I'm not so sure I'm less hawkish, but perhaps more understanding of what we face.
Agreed. If we understand the people who will live in the aftermath of our actions, we can care for them so that we are not haunted by reprocity.
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