Summary

This section of the book, set on Oct. 20, introduces Najeeb Quarishy, an Afghan who lived in fear of Taliban because he operated a language school. He had once hit a Taliban policeman and had to leave his home for several months to go into hiding to keep from being punished for his behavior. He was angry as a result of the Taliban’s impact on his life and wanted to kill them all.

The narrator returns to the American soldiers as they approached the village of Dehi, Nelson reminded his men that Dostum had said they might not be welcome there. The people reached out to touch the Americans as they passed by. Nelson was surprised when their security detail stopped for supplies. He and the others were nervous as they waited in the middle of the village. It was not until...