The family is the single most important institution in Afghan culture. It is described in the country's constitution as the 'fundamental pillar of society'.

When I decided to stay in Iraq, I decided to take the fear out of my body and put it into a freezer.

As the only woman, I was able to sit with the officers in front, with a glass of vodka in one hand and a cucumber in the other. That's how I went to my first war.

If I leave, reality will devour me. Then they will all really be dead.

As the only woman, I was able to sit with the officers in front, with a glass of vodka in one hand and a cucumber in the other. That's how I went to my first war.

The differences between the sexes are the single most important fact of human society.