Daily Times August 4, 2021 The “matal” or proverb in Mataloona: Pukhtun Proverbs and Mizh: A Frontier Classic (Oxford University Press, 2020) that I find the most delightfully emblematic of the value of a book such as this, is “(don’t be like) the frog that climbed a clod and said he saw Kabul.” The saying not only captures the dynamic nature of the folk literary genre of the matal itself in its imagery, wisdom and humorous incongruity, but sheds light on the contradictory position of a tribal culture held together by tradition and isolationism but forced time and again to contend with outsiders and adversaries. As inward advice, it is a reminder to stay humble in seeking knowledge, as an outward saying, it implies that there is always much more than meets the eye, therefore, beware of hasty judgment. Regarded in the context of the geopolitical history of the region, this matal forces us to consider: is it better to invest in fortifying ourselves against the threat of constant invasions or to gain knowledge about the greater world that often seems irrelevant in relation to the challenge at hand? The matal also illuminates the rare dexterity of the author/translator/editor of the book, Akbar Ahmed, whose body of work is defined first and foremost by his close study of clashing ideologies and building a genuine understanding between cultures through a clear, honest, but compassionate look that is not marred by academic frigidity. In doing so, he honors the contradictory realms of tradition and cosmopolitanism, individuality and plurality.