On the Trail of a Lion

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In this compelling memoir, A.R. Rowan delves into the life and legacy of Ahmed Shah Massoud, the legendary Afghan leader whose defiance of foreign domination defined modern Afghan history. Known as the "Lion of Panjshir," Massoud's resistance against the Soviet invasion and his fight for an independent Afghanistan embody the enduring Afghan spirit-unyielding and resolute, a nation that remains a graveyard for empires.

Massoud's assassination on September 9, 2001-just two days before the 9/11 attacks-marked the end of an era, a crossing of the Rubicon, as Rowan himself crossed the Oxus River into Afghanistan.

Rowan's fascination with Massoud began in the 1980s at a dusty truck stop in Northwest Pakistan, where Afghan lorry drivers spoke of a "legend in the making." That chance encounter ignited a decades-long adventure to travel to meet the man who would become the face of Afghanistan's defiance.

Through vivid storytelling, Rowan illuminates Massoud's ideals, character, and unwavering resistance to subjugation. On the Trail of a Lion also unravels the geopolitical forces shaping Afghanistan's struggles and the world's wars.

Originally published in 2005, this updated 2024 edition includes a new index, map, and foreword, providing a timely exploration of Massoud's enduring legacy and its relevance to today's geopolitical challenges