Afghanistan: a Window on the Tragedy

"Afghanistan a Window on the Tragedy" is the second book published by Basque-born artist and photographer Alen Silva who courageously traveled twice across war-torn Afghanistan, to capture soul-searching photographs of the devastated land, to remind us the formidable, destructive feature of war. Among these pictures are the ruins of Kabul, Bamiyan Buddhas, Soviet tanks, and Afghan society whose hope for peace still lightens the weary faces of the Afghan people who welcomed Alen and shared their lives with him.

This book includes Ninety-eight black and white photos, accompanied commentaries, poetry, short stories and articles by thirteen distinguished contributors including myself. Texts are by Alen Silva, Alan Rachins, Bahman Ghobadi, Bernardo Atxaga, Ezzat Goushegir, Gillian Anderson, John Sistiaga, Malalai Joya, Michael Ratner, Mike Farrell, Suheir Hammad, Susan Kelly-DeWitt, Toti Martinez de Lezea, and Yasmina Khadra.


Mike Farrell notes: “Alen Silva’s Window on the tragedy of Afghanistan is the wondrous demonstration of the value art can bring to life. His work vividly depicts the history, the haunting beauty, the glory and horror of Afghanistan. This book rips at the conscience while it begs for a future for this ravaged land.”
Alen Silva's first book is called Afghanistan.