Discussion of the Arguments Presented in Three Cups of Tea - Book Report/Review Example

Introduction Three Cups of Tea is a book that describes transition of the author from mountain climber to a dedicated humanitarian determined to promote girls education and ameliorate extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. After becoming a cofounder of Central Asia Institute (CAI), Mortenson becomes part of an organization, which oversees the establishment of close to 200 schools. These schools provide education to more than 64,000 children with majority of these students being girls. Before these developments, remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan had few opportunities in education especially for women. Mortenson reveals that peace solely depends on relationships and the will by all cultures to accommodate other cultures with education being the major principle in achieving the desired results (Mortenson, 2010). This paper will provide a thorough review of the explanations and arguments presented in Three Cups of Tea. Discussion Three Cups of Tea represents a remarkable tale of compassion and courage. The theme of compassion is prevalent in the literal piece, with Mortenson’s compassion for the poor residents of Northern Pakistan being revealed throughout the book (Mortenson, 2010). Among the questions raised in this book are: what relevance are the measures that are adopted in solving regional problems and the precise action to take in time of crisis. These questions are of great importance since major activities in the book took place during the United States invasion of Afghanistan (Mortenson, 2010). The author questions the idea of military intervention by a powerful country such as the United States. The military intervention that was conducted in Afghanistan should have been followed by efforts of humanitarian reconstruction, which is a good thing for the invaded country and for American security’s interest. Although the author neither presents a reflection on a past record of military interventions and their outcomes, nor gives an appraisal of the motives of the United States and the interests that the country had in Afghanistan, he thoroughly interrogates the legitimacy of interventions of the United States in Afghanistan (Mortenson, 2010). The author asks what gives the United States , a country with an infamous record of violation of human rights and militarism, the right to undermine the sovereignty of other nations in the name of democracy through ‘humanitarian intervention’. In addition, the author tries to explain the cause of extremism and terror, albeit through a total disregard of the weird political history of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is because an analysis of the political history of these nations would elucidate the pivotal role that is played by the Saudis, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in creating extremism and terrorism, which would have complicated the analysis of terrorism as presented in the book (Mortenson, 2010). Nevertheless, the author ignores the long history of political turmoil and the interests of global and regional powers and instead traces the roots of problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan as being within the Muslim societies. Moreover, the author depicts Islam’s competing interpretations and the cultural and social-economic conditions, especially illiteracy, being the main causes of problems in these societies. The lack of focus on political factors from outside the regions allows the author of the book to present American involvement in the country as only benevolent and humanitarian (Mortenson, 2010). Importance of the Question of Humanitarian Intervention The lack of analysis on the political history of Afghanistan and Pakistan and lack of focus on external forces as causes of problems facing the countries illuminates some form of ignorance. It also reveals the exploitative and imperial policies of American government and tries to reinforce a wrong sense of philanthropy. The superpower should not use philanthropy as a form of interaction with other nations. Social justice should be the main and noblest way of interacting with these nations. The difference in approach is that the latter approach induces an attitude of guilt and humility while stimulating political awareness in a critical manner. There is the need for the Americans to understand that their luxury, affluence, extravagance, and apathy concerning political matters is directly linked to emergence of wars and the exploitation of resources and people from various parts of the world (Mortenson, 2010). Saving the Muslims In order to save the people in Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is a need to civilize them and help them attain progress. In the Three Cups of Tea, the author points out another book Ancient Futures, that reveals other means of achieving modernity. In the light of this, indigenous cultures and people do not need to follow the paths of western countries in the quest for modernity. Moreover, the definition of modernity in these cultures may be very different from the one used by western countries. Although, this moral lesson was replicated in the Three Cups of Tea, there was no significant impact on its overall narrative. The book implies that the more an individual emancipates himself or herself from tradition, the more he or she becomes modern (Mortenson, 2010). Three Cups of Tea characterizes individuals staying in rural areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan as ignorant and poor. Hence, the author indicates that these individuals are inclined towards terror and extremism. However, the rural areas found in Pakistan, especially the areas with rich traditions and sustainable living patterns cannot be classified as poor. If progress was measured by peace, trust, and happiness as opposed to material luxuries and life arrangements that are complicated, the rural areas in Pakistan would be more richer that Urban neighborhoods. It is important to note that the rural areas in Pakistan are famous for their pluralistic cultural that centers on devotion and diffuse religious practices and culture. Particularly, the Northern areas of Pakistan have diverse and rich cultural history (Mortenson, 2010) The author has automatically associated the rural areas with ignorance and backwardness, which is misleading and presumptuous. Although the author intended to develop a sympathetic understanding of the regions in Afghanistan and Pakistan and unite the West and the East on humanitarian grounds, the book has a strong resemblance to a colonial-style depiction of other cultures. Such a depiction is based on perceived differences of ‘them’ and ‘us’. The western culture is viewed to be civilized, superior, and enlightened, whereas other unfamiliar cultures are seen as dangerous and barbarian and are supposed to be civilized and controlled (Mortenson, 2010). False notions concerning rural areas are prevalent not only among foreign people but also among policy makers as well as social workers from Pakistan’s rural areas. Hence, one is left to wonder about the teachings and the curriculum being imparted in the established schools. Moreover, questions regarding the image of their culture, religion and their people are bound to emerge under such a curriculum. Such questions would have an indelible impact on the sense of purpose and self-identity. Although the author has made an indelible impression by building many schools in Pakistan, there is the need to focus on the kind of education that is being offered in these institutions. Furthermore, the type of impressions on life and indigenous culture being imparted and its costs should be of major consideration (Mortenson, 2010). Conclusion In summary, the author of the Three Cups of Tea has exhibited remarkable courage and compassion by playing a central role in trying to change the lives of poor residents in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The author has raised the question of the relevance of the measures that are adopted by superpowers in solving world problems. The author seems to condemn the use of militarism in addressing situations. Furthermore, the author indicates the need to foster peace throughout the world by accommodating the differences that are prevalent in other cultures. However, the depiction by the author of the rural parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan being backward and ignorant is misleading as these countries have their own interpretation of civilization. In the light of this, it is colonial to and arrogant to try to institute changes in the cultures of other nations through militarism or humanitarian efforts. References Mortenson, G. (2010). Three Cups of Tea. Westminster: Penguin Books Limited. . Read More