Description:
Memoir of an Afghan refugee and an American soldier that traces the cross-continental distance between a promise and its keeping, interrogating a world in crisis while celebrating how friendship can outlast the war that created it.
Brief description: Abdulhaq Sodais lives in Germany, and has begun a new life with his wife, Weeda, after being granted full political asylum in 2021. He speaksfour languages including: Dari, Pashto, English, and German. He has found work in the school system helping disabled students on the bus, and as a forklift operator, among other odd jobs. Abdulhaq continues to face discrimination as an Afghan and as a refugee in his adopted home, but is working hard to integrate into German society. His dream is to travel freely throughout the world, without being harassed or denied at any border. He considers Spencer his most trusted friend and has worked ceaselessly with him to tell this story on behalf of all refugees who are unable to tell their own.
Review Quotes:
"An engaging, relatable tale of a friendship forged during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan." Kirkus Reviews (02/04/2026)
"Striking portrait of unlikely friendship forged in war and faulty American promises." BookLife/Publishers Weekly (01/15/2026)
"Not Our Problem is neither a war story nor a love story. It isn't even new. As old as war, as enduring as friendship, and as inspiring as only the human spirit can be, it is a reminder of what truly matters."
-S t a n l e y A . Mc C h r y s t a l, Retired Army General
"In Not Our Problem, Sullivan and Sodais capture the human face of the global refugee crisis with timeless poignancy. The dual-narrative structure injects excitement into an already gripping read; the story of their shared burden mirrors countless U.S. servicemembers and their Afghan allies. This is important work and a must read."
-J a k e T a p p e r, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent
"The bonds forged in war cannot often be adequately explained to those who have not lived it themselves. Abdulhaq and Spencer have provided the world with a tremendous gift-a profound example of the power of that bond and how it endures throughout all of one's life, long after the battle ends. I've heard many a tale of Afghan interpreters and their American soldiers-to me this stands as one of the definitive best. If you've ever wondered why so many American soldiers will go to the ends of the earth for their Afghan allies, read this book."
-Ma t t Z e l l e r, Co-Founder of No One Left Behind
"Abdulhaq Sodais and Spencer Sullivan have written a ringer of a tale about war, duty, friendship, and the long tail of our promises. More than anything, they remind us that-in a democratic society-what our government does, or doesn't do, in our name is very much our problem."
-N a t h a n i e l F i c k, NYT-Bestselling Author of One Bullet Away