Dan Fesperman discusses his book, “The Warlord’s Son.” He begins by sharing that what fascinated him the most about the tribal wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, of which he writes, is the timelessness of it. He explains the role and life of a Pakistani “fixer” who is a translator who know how to work the system and get things done. These fixers are paid $150 a day, which is the equivalent of a year’s income for most Pakistanis. Fesperman goes on to describe the character, Skellly, who works for a newspaper and has covered previous wars such as Vietnam and Korea. He also describes the character of Najeeb, who is a fixer from a powerful family and considered a traitor by his tribal clan. Najeeb hopes to travel to America with his love interest, Daliya who desires an education and modernity while resisting an arranged marriage. Later in the interview Fesperman shares that he spent time in Pakistan following September 11th and then when the Taliban fell went into Afghanistan, all while working for the “Baltimore Sun.” He then discusses his observations of Middle Eastarners' feelings and attitudes towards America.
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