An Undesirable Element is a fascinating tour through the tumultuous years that helped create modern Afghanistan. Fayez survived Soviet Afghanistan and revolutionary Iran, only to find himself watching from exile as his country devoured itself. Improbably, he returns after 2001 to help resurrect Afghanistan's devastated higher education system, giving an insider account of the challenges of building education in a land dominated by warlords and fundamentalism. The result is a poignant reminder of how much Afghanistan has endured, and the flicker of hope that remains despite it all. 

- Anand Gopal, author of No Good Men Among The Living: America, the Taliban, and the War through Afghan Eyes, finalist for the 2014 National Book Award

From the foreword: 

"He is the primary architect of a progressive, liberal education system, both public and private, that Afghanistan has never known. While largely a story about the remarkable life of Sharif Fayez, ultimately, this is also a tale about the power of vision and dedication - and the ability to make a difference. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have."

Ryan Crocker 

US Ambassador to Afghanistan 2011-2012