A powerful, firsthand account of Afghanistan's struggle against empire. In The Rock of the Land, acclaimed Mauritanian war journalist Ahmad Vall Dine presents a groundbreaking work of translated Arabic war journalism—a personal and political chronicle of Afghanistan's long resistance against foreign domination. From the Soviet invasion to the U.S. withdrawal, Vall Dine blends deep historical insight with gritty, on-the-ground reporting as an Al Jazeera correspondent. This compelling memoir goes beyond headlines to show the psychological toll of occupation, the absurdity of empires, and the strength of Afghan identity. In vivid, human detail, he recounts his 2021 journey into Kabul just as the Taliban returned to power, documenting what the media missed: the contradictions, the confusion, the collapse. Expertly translated from Arabic by Mbarek Sryfi, The Rock of the Land is a landmark of translated Arabic war journalism—and essential reading for anyone seeking to understand Afghanistan beyond the surface. “A book that reveals extensive and long-standing follow-ups on Afghan affairs.” — Annas News“An example of a journalist's belief in the sanctity of his profession.” — Rimafric