Reception - Walking on Quicksand

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Zalmai Ahad, professionally known as Zalmai, left the country after the Soviet invasion in 1980. He traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland, where he became a Swiss citizen. In 1989, he began to work as a freelance photographer, traveled around the world, and eventually returned to Afghanistan, where he continues documenting the ongoing war and plight of the Afghan people. Zalmai has published four books, including his most recent, Silent Exodus: Portraits of Iraqi Refugees in Exile (2008). He a feature photographer on Reportage by Getty.