Wali Shaaker

Afghan American, Wali Shaaker was born in Kabul where he grew up during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He obtained his M.A. in political science from San Francisco State University. His short story, Identity Card is published in "One Story, Thirty Stories: An Anthology of Contemporary Afghan American Literature." In addition, Shaaker is the author of a non-fiction book, "Democracy's Dilemma: The Challenges to State Legitimacy in Afghanistan." Shaaker is also a Dari/Persian poet, and the winner of Afghan Sukhan Literary Association poetry award (2012). He resides with his wife, Roya, son, Wasim, and daughter, Palatin in Virginia and occasionally participates in local cycling road races.