"The Assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud," a work by Mohammad Fahim-Dashti. It details the events leading up to the assassination of the Afghan military leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, including a description of Massoud's final days and his meetings with foreign journalists. Dashti, who was present at the time of Massoud's assassination, provides a firsthand account of the event, as well as his thoughts on the life and legacy of the military commander. The excerpt also includes excerpts from interviews with others present that day, including Massoud's aides and witnesses. Ultimately, the text reveals a tale of the life and death of a revered leader and offers insights into the political climate of Afghanistan in the months leading up to 9/11.