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Massoud the Man
Ahmed Shah Massoud had more than one consuming passion in his life. He had an unending love for Persian poetry. Even in the thick of battle he tried to read poetry every day. He also kept a daily journal of his thoughts, dreams, hopes, and beliefs.
A man with a well developed sense of humor, Massoud liked to laugh whenever he found a good reason.
He had an avid interest in chess and loved a good challenge. Unfortunately for his opponents, they usually found themselves in checkmate rather quickly. One opponent observed that Massoud played chess with the same intensity that he fought the Taliban.
There must have been times when the enormity of the responsibility he bore weighed heavily on his shoulders. He knew that his men looked to him for leadership in every aspect of their lives. He not only lead them into battle, he also lead them in prayer. He was aware that the mujahadin fighters looked to the man they called Amer Saheb (dear boss) for guidance, and he tried with all his being not to fail them.
While he was the Minister of Defense, Ahmed Shah Massoud was the first Afghan government official to ever sign a Bill of Rights for Afghan women. He knew that the Afghan culture was traditional and that changes would be gradual, but he also believed in a woman's right to have an education, a career, and a vote in the governent under which she lived. One of the things that most disturbed him about the Taliban was their harsh and repressive treatment of women.
Massoud and his wife had five daughters and one son. Mrs. Massoud has reportedly said that she did not recall a single time when her husband raised his voice or said an unkind word. Massoud dreamed of an Afghanistan in which his own daughters -- and all women --could pursue their educations and their dreams.

 

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