I think most good poetry is about suffering; I think that's what underlies the love in these landays pieces - suffering and longing.

The future of Afghanistan is incredibly dark, and decisions are happening incredibly quickly. Speculation is a fool's game, but I've seen many political projections that look like the Taliban could hold most of the country, and possibly Kabul, within perhaps a short time. I can't imagine how Afghanistan's fall isn't going to be ten times faster than Iraq's. The role of women in that space is terrifying, and the idea of retribution is a nightmare.

Seeing the Afghan women in their burqas, it's easy to say, "Well, they're not as fully aware as I am, so why do I have to worry so much about their plight?" But that's a misunderstanding. They are brutally aware of their station.

The truth is, terrorism flourishes in places of injustice rather than in places of poverty.

I think most good poetry is about suffering; I think that's what underlies the love in these landays pieces - suffering and longing.

I worked with two young women translators. One died and the other received a death threat from the Taliban.

It's important to understand that violent Islam is only one face of violent religion.