Campus Life

The Taliban Shuffle: Lessons from Afghanistan for foreign policy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Center for Global Studies (CGS) will host Kim Barker, a metro reporter at The New York Times specializing in investigative reporting and narrative writing, from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in Lewis Katz Auditorium at University Park. 

Barker was formerly the South Asia bureau chief for the Chicago Tribute from 2004 to 2009 in New Delhi and Islamabad. As bureau chief she directed coverage of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Her book, "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan," published in 2011, recounts her experiences as a war reporter. A major aspect of her book is her relationship with Farouq, her fixer, as he teaches her about the Islamic culture and brings her face-to-face with warlords and politicians. The book was the inspiration behind the movie "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," released in March 2016 starring Tina Fey.

Barker will discuss lessons she learned from her experiences in South Asia and Hollywood. Following the presentation there will be a book sale and signing for "The Taliban Shuffle." 

This lecture is co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science, the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and the School of International Affairs.

For a complete listing of the Center for Global Studies’ events, visit http://cgs.la.psu.edu.

Kim Barker's book was the inspiration behind the movie "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" released in March 2016 starring Tina Fey. Credit: Kim BarkerAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated March 8, 2021

Contact

  • Sarah Lyall-Combs, Assistant Director, Center for Global Studies