West of Kabul, East of New York

In the wake of the World Trade Center attacks, Tamim Ansary reflects on his identity as an Afghan American in a heartfelt e-mail that resonates with millions. He shares his experiences growing up in Afghan culture and his subsequent emigration to San Francisco, where he believed he had left his roots behind. Facing the complexities of his dual identity, Ansary narrates his harrowing journey through the Islamic world and the struggle to reconcile his Afghan and American selves, offering a profound exploration of cultural conflict and personal reconciliation.