I have been an NPR listener for years, and in the days immediately following September 11, 2001, I was listening to Boston NPR station WBUR (90.9 FM in the Boston area) almost around the clock. Since then, I have found that it continues to be a reliable source of information and responsible commentary from a variety of perspectives -- in both audio and text formats.

The U.S. response to the terror attacks raises a lot of important questions about civil liberties and foreign policy that the mainstream media (even National Public Radio) are reluctant to ask. For important alternative perspectives, see Working for Change , Z-Magazine , and Human Rights Watch . 

Also see the ACLU's Safe and Free in Times of Crisis , which details some of the ways in which governmental response may threaten individual liberties.

The attacks have highlighted the general failure of Americans to keep up with foreign affairs. The Small World page illustrates part of the problem; the solution is for people to take responsibility for becoming informed about the world.

Contrary to popular impressions, Afghanistan is not a long-benighted holdover from the medieval period. Twenty years ago, Afghan women were serving in the country's parliament. In the past five years, the Taliban created the worst conditions for women and girls anywhere in the world. As the father of a young girl who has a world of possibilities before her, I have been particularly disturbed by the oppression of women in Afghanistan for several years. Help Afghan Women is a campaign to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan. In the wake of the military defeat of the Taliban, this site provides specific ways in which Americans (and others throughout the world) can get involved and make sure that Afghanistan's women take their rightful place in the new Afghanistan.  

Perhaps no Afghan woman is more widely recognized than Sharbat Gula, whose piercing eyes made this 1985 cover photo the most popular National Geographic photo ever. Her name was not known until late in 2001, when the original photographer returned to Pakistan and Afghanistan to look for her. The April 2002 issue presents an update on her difficult life, and a new photograph of someone who is clearly the same woman, but in very different circumstances. The story of Sharbat Gula -- who never knew she was world-famous -- and the effort to find her provide valuable insights into both the struggles and the strength of Afghan women and men.

Several of my students have found the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts to be a valuable spiritual resource in troubled times. You might be interested in Responses to Terrible Loss & Grief , a sermon given September 16, 2001 by my minister, Rev. Richard Fewkes.

What do we tell our children? The National Association of School Psychologists provides information to help parents, school personnel, mental health professionals, and others to assist children as they cope with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States. 

The Center for Defense Information is a non-profit organization founded by highly-respected retired military officers. It is an excellent source of technical information and analysis of the military aspects of this ongoing crisis.

The Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas provides access to many online maps relevant to the attacks and the aftermath.

Rumors of War - The attacks have led to a proliferation of rumors. Some are very strange yet true; others are very plausible but false. To check out a rumor and get tips about separating fact from fiction on the Internet, visit this site.

America's Fund for Afghan Children is a fund established by President Bush in collaboration with the American Red Cross. The proceeds from U.S. children (including my daughter) are administered through appropriate Red Cross and Red Crescent societies for the benefit of children in and from Afghanistan. Support of this fund sends a positive message to the people of Afghanistan, Islamic people throughout the world, and the president himself.

The County Map Project is a part of my web site where I celebrate the glorious variety of this country. Visit to see my modest memorial note and a few extra links.