Before the Age of Prejudice: A Muslim Woman's National Security Work with Three American Presidents - A Memoir

by Shirin Tahir-Kheli

Overview

This book offers a fascinating insider's perspective from one who happens to be a Muslim woman on U.S. foreign policy making during three Republican presidential administrations. Shirin Tahir-Kheli's life story is a testament to the promise and delivery of the American dream in another era and is a must read for scholars and policy makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789811085505
Publisher:	Springer Nature Singapore
Publication date:	05/02/2018
Edition description:	1st ed. 2018
Pages:	454
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Shirin Tahir-Kheli is Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. As Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State, Tahir-Kheli played a key role in policy formulation toward UN Reform during a critical year for reform efforts and has been central to the effort to support the Empowerment of Women. She served in various senior positions including as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor at the White House National Security Council.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Times: Celebrating Hyberabadi Style.- Chapter 2: The Old and the New.- Chapter 3: Education and Romance.- Chapter 4: Return to the United States.- Chapter 5: Back to Pakistan.- Chapter 6: Home is Where You End Up.- Chapter 7: Monitoring Pakistan as a Scholar.- Chapter 8: U.S. Army War College.- Chapter 9: Joining the Secretary of State's Staff.- Chapter 10: The Zia Visit.- Chapter 11: Returning to the Land of My Ancestors.- Chapter 12: The Burden of Being First.- Chapter 13: Diplomacy with India.- Chapter 14: Adding Pakistan to the Equation.- Chapter 15: Failed Statecraft?.- Chapter 16: Ambassador from Where?.- Chapter 17: The First Gulf War.- Chapter 18: The Last Trust Territory: Palau.- Chapter 19: The Muslim Ambassador from the United States..- Chapter 20: "Name and Shame".- Chapter 21: Return to the University.- Chapter 22: The BALUSA Group.- Chapter 23: Family Life.- Chapter 24: Washington Return.- Chapter 25: George W. Bush Years.- Chapter 26: 9/11.- Chapter 27: White House Redux.- Chapter 28: A Changed Model.- Chapter 29: Democracy Promotion.- Chapter 30: Ongoing Diplomacy in South Asia.- Chapter 31: Return to Democracy.- Chapter 32: The Freedom Agenda: What Went Wrong?.- Chapter 33: GTMO.- Chapter 34: Forum for Freedom.- Chapter 35: Vice President Cheney.- Chapter 36: The American Legacy of the Basrah Children's Hospital.- Chapter 37: Trip to Iraq.- Chapter 38: Rallying Support.- Chapter 39: The Big Picture.- Chapter 40: Women's Empowerment.- Chapter 41: Reflections.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“From India to Pakistan to the United States, Shirin Tahir-Kheli has lived a remarkable life, rising to become one of the highest ranking Muslim-Americans in U.S. diplomatic history. Working alongside her after 9/11, I witnessed Shirin's dedication firsthand. In this evocative memoir she recounts her extraordinary journey, reflecting on faith, family, and the country she so ably served.” (Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, former National Security Advisor)

“As a woman, a Muslim, and a native of India and Pakistan with a long and distinguished career in American foreign policy, Shirin Tahir-Kheli’s life has been full of extraordinary breakthroughs. In her forthright, illuminating, and fascinating memoir, she provides insights on working for three presidential administrations on American foreign policy and national security, as well as on promoting peace in south Asia. As a diplomat, political insider, and scholar, Ambassador Tahir-Kheli has witnessed changes in U.S. diplomacy over several decades and from varying perspectives. Indeed, her career is remarkable and one-of-a-kind. This is a must-read for anyone interested in south Asia and national policymaking.” (Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York)

“Today, when individual acts of terror by fanatic Muslims throw up a pall of prejudice against all of Islam, Shirin Tahir-Kheli's story stands out in stirring contrast. George H. W. Bush deeply admired Shirin, and as vice president took her with him to difficult countries like Yemen where she, as a brilliant American Muslim, came up with contacts and insights of great value to Washington. I was on such trips, and saw Shirin in action. Hers is a unique book, full of lessons for all who seek clearer understanding of Islam.” (Donald P. Gregg, National Security Advisor to Vice President Bush, 1982-88)