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Ask the Author: Tariq Mahmood

“Ask me a question.” Tariq Mahmood

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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Tariq Mahmood my complete disregard for habits which affect my health like smoking.....
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Liked your review of Silk Road by Peter Frankopan. Also agree with your views on the embargo by US on Iran, but may I ask you, as an Indian, what is your view about CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)? Is it economically helpful for Pakistan or as we hear and read in our media here that people of Baluchistan are dead against it.
Tariq Mahmood The poor people of Pakistan need as much opportunity as possible. CPEC will invite direct Chinese investment, means more jobs for people in Baluchistan, Kashmir and other provinces of Pakistan. Already many private schools in Pakistan have started teaching the Chinese language.
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What books are on your summer reading list this year?
Tariq Mahmood Sophie's World by Jostein Gaardner
The Origins of totalitarianism by Hannah Ardent
Postwar by Tony Judt
The strange death of Europe by Dougles Murray
The fat years by Chan Koonchung
Age of Anger by Pankaj Mishra
How Pakistan got divided by Rao Farman Ali Khan
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Noam Chomsky? A Marxist millionaire? Well muslims will support absolutely any dead ender who supports their fanatical hatred of the Western Christian World. Why though support those whom they hate themselves?
Tariq Mahmood I can't really speak on behalf of 1.8 Billion Muslims, but personally I do agree with majority of Noam's arguments. But wait, isn't he a Jew, and are not Muslims supposed to hate Jews?
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How a writer develop a character. Is one character is enough to write a whole story?
Tariq Mahmood a character is only developed when it interacts with other characters. The writers job is to capture the sparks in words.
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Do you have a recommended book of Libya or Muammar?
Tariq Mahmood Rebels: My Life Behind Enemy Lines with Warlords, Fanatics and Not-so-Friendly Fire by Roussinos, Aris.

Secret Affairs: Britain's Collusion with Radical Islam by Mark Curtis

Sandstorm: Libya in the Time of Revolution by Lindsey Hilsum
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Tariq Mahmood The latest book is about the ideology of the Taliban. I have tried to highlight Islamic history's delusions and near mythical understandings. The right and wrong is constantly analogised with the events of early Islam. I have tried to demonstrate how the Taliban have developed an alternate meaning of the same events from early Islam and how these are used to justify their gruesome deeds like suicide bombings, attack on mosques and cutting of heads.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Tariq Mahmood Just pure impulsion. I read and read till suddenly words emerge from within which have to be penned down.
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What are you currently working on?
Tariq Mahmood Reading and slaving to put my kids through University.
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Tariq Mahmood Just write, don't wait for perfection. If you cannot write then read.
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Tariq Mahmood Writing is an extremely gratifying and satisfying life experience. I think it is a must activity for every opinionated person.
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Tariq Mahmood I didn't experience any writer's block. I wrote when I wanted to, what I wanted to, whenever and wherever I wanted to without much compulsion.
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