“No fundamentalist undercurrent ran through the national culture before the first war. Sufism had always been the predominant Muslim sect, and Wahhabism was a foreign, wartime import. A few times a year, Arab Wahhabis came through the village in search of recruits. They promised rations, shelter, an eternity in Paradise, and, until that day of glorious martyrdom, a monthly salary of two hundred and fifty U.S. dollars. Few young men followed the monochromatic Wahhabi faith, but many were quite willing to be radicalized for a monthly salary that eclipsed what they would otherwise earn in a year. The war of independence so quickly conflated with jihad because no one cared about the self-determination of a small landlocked republic. Arab states would gladly fund a war of religion, but not one of nationalism. And in this way it didn’t matter who won the war between the Feds and fundamentalists: the notion of a democratic and fully sovereign Chechnya would be crushed regardless.”
Quote by Anthony Marra
Work
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
This novel delves into the lives of individuals in a war-torn region, illustrating the profound impact of conflict on ordinary people. The story is woven around the lives of several characters, highlighting themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring bonds of human connection. more
Author
Anthony Marra
Anthony Marra is an American writer born in 1984. His works are known for their delicate emotions and profound themes, particularly for his skill in depicting the conflicts and complexities of human emotions in the Middle East. more
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