Goal: My Journey from Afghanistan

A Daring Escape from Afghanistan Gives One Man the Opportunity to Realize His Dream

Even though he was haunted by being called Bad-bakht, which means “unlucky one,” Mohammad B. Alikhail overcame the name and persevered through his difficult life in Afghanistan, and eventually escaped to the United States and realized his dream of becoming a doctor.

Living through the Soviet Invasion into Afghanistan and the radical mujahideen where Alikhail saw his country being torn apart, the young man found solace in playing soccer, even though he had to hide his time on the field from his father, who thought it was a waste of time. However, in 1984 it was soccer that helped Alikhail escape the intolerant, violent regime in his country.

Alikhail witnessed his friends being carted away without just cause, without ever being seen again. Realizing that he would never be able to escape being Bad-bakht if he remained in his country, the author made a daring, dangerous move that forever changed the course of his life. Failing would mean that he truly was an “unlucky one.”

“Goal” inspires cross-culture understanding, an understanding that in today’s world of difference and indifference can ease foreign conflict. As Mohammad Alikhail says, “If a refugee from the small village of Saikanda can come to America with nothing and make it this far then everyone has a chance.”

About the Author

Dr. Mohammad B. Alikhail is a practicing physician who works in a hospital in Anderson, South Carolina. Besides teaching residents, he plays soccer and enjoys watching his daughters play the sport.