The PEN Pod: On Authoritarianism, Abortion Restrictions, and Protecting the Freedom to Learn
“They are people who deserve our support, who’ve been working as human rights defenders inside their countries, who now are faced with the loss of their livelihood.” More
The PEN Pod: Looking Back at the War on Terror with Spencer Ackerman
“What’s on display in Afghanistan is the results of 20 years of war. It’s not a departure from 20 years of war. . . . It is not something… More
The Legacy of 9/11: A Reading List
Adam Wilson, author of Sensation Machines, provides books that explore the lasting ways in which 9/11 shaped the cultural attitudes of an entire generation of Americans. More
The Taliban Takeover Is Forcing Afghans to Delete Their Photos and Posts—It’s a Free Expression Tragedy
Photos and social media posts in Afghanistan are being used against individuals as the Taliban takes over. Digital platforms have a responsibility to prevent digital cultural erasure. More
The PEN Pod: Navigating the Debacle in Afghanistan with Ayad Akhtar and George Packer
“Everyone who essentially used the opportunity of the last two decades to try to build a decent, better society for themselves and for Afghanistan are now under threat.” More
‘It was like watching someone take their last breaths,’ says Afghan American Writer Nadia Hashimi
Afghan American author Nadia Hashimi reflects on the fall of Afghanistan, the future of women’s rights in the country, and how readers and writers can support one another. More
U.S. Must Act Swiftly to Protect Afghan Writers and Cultural Figures Who’ve Defended Free Expression
PEN America today called for the U.S. to act swiftly to offer protection to writers and cultural actors in Afghanistan. More
DARE: “Literature Provides Shelter. That’s Why We Need It”
Arundhati Roy looks at the role of literature and writing in her Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture at PEN World Voices Festival. More
DARE: FBI Says It’s Working with Silicon Valley to Stop Election Meddling
FBI director says agency is significantly increasing its work with Silicon Valley to address foreign influence campaigns targeting the United States... More
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