West Des Moines, IA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2015 -- There's no way to sugarcoat it; since 9/11, America's attempts to rid the world from Middle-Eastern terrorism have often turned it into a deadly enemy. Nobody knows this better than the thousands of Afghan families who have succumbed to collateral damage through a war that has barely achieved what it set out to do.

In his powerful new novel, AWB tells the story of one man who won't let his parents' deaths go unnoticed. In fact, he decides to go all the way to Washington, D.C. to personally seek revenge. 'Collateral Damage - The Real Enemy' is shockingly-vivid, exposing the often-unseen strengths and weaknesses of the human spirit.

Synopsis:

Rustam Tajik, a US educated Afghan, lost his parents from military action of NATO coalition forces in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Devastated by the death-dealing blow, he is even more enraged at his parents being chalked up as collateral damage.

After deep deliberation, he resolves that his only option is to respond by effectuating revenge in Washington D.C., erstwhile a second home to him. His stratagem is embodied in recruiting a handful of accomplices enduring similar personal afflictions. The book traces the coterie's trek from training in Pakistan, smuggling into America through Mexico, and associated ventures en route to avenging their losses.

"Like thousands of others, the United States and its allies expected Rustam to just sit back and accept what happened to his family, as it was all supposedly in pursuit of ridding radical terrorism,"

explains the author. "But Rustam, with his U.S. education, knows that his parents' deaths had no place in the war. My novel thrusts readers alongside him as they seek revenge that is totally unexpected."

Continuing, "Transcending the book's fictional premise, I hope my novel compels readers to consider the real root causes behind conflict and violence around the world, as well as fostering new skepticism for each country's aims and abilities. Most now agree that the United States became embroiled in a war very different to the one they set out to fight, and my story should leave everyone with plenty to think about."

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. Aisha Zafar comments, "A very interesting read that takes you to different countries and cultures. It shows the weaknesses and strengths we all have as humans yet how people tend to have different reactions when put through the challenges. It's also sad to see how this world has changed in the last few years and what impact 9/11 has had on the lives of millions of people. It talks about love, betrayal, dedication and failure and how one can create a path of destruction and get others to follow that path. A very thought provoking book that makes you think....who is the real enemy?"

Mohammad S. Iqbal adds, "The book is well written with excellent prose. The characters are familiar to me and remind me of people I would encounter in my days in Pakistan. If you're familiar with Pakistan, you will notice that the names of the characters have hidden meanings and the plot is very entertaining. I could not put the book down once I started and I recommend this book to anyone."

'Collateral Damage - The Real Enemy', from Bookstand Publishing, is available now:
http://amzn.to/1zHPug7

About AWB
AWB has worked in various capacities with consulting companies, and a 10-year stint with the telephone company in Northern Virginia. He received an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, and an MBA from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

This is his first fiction novel. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife and three sons.