I'm currently reading My Forbidden Face, a book by a woman who lived in Afghanistan while the Taliban were in power. Its a very interesting story, due to the personal details. Readers learn about Latifa's family, including her brother with extremist tendencies. By the time the Taliban took control, she had already lived through Soviet and resistance regimes with varying degrees of freedom. I personally find the historic details interesting, and their differences from the history we learn in the United States. Relatively recent history, from the Cold War on, isn't usually taught very well, at least in my experience in American public schools. My advanced placement US history course barely got to the Vietnam War before the end of the year. I've done a bit of reading on my own about more recent history, but even that is hazy at times. Latifa's personal account of her own history makes a stark contrast to the ambivalent pieces I've gleaned. Its really too bad that public schools don't spend a bit more time covering recent history, especially that with so much significance today.
Another book similar to My Forbidden Face is a long time favorite of mine. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is an autobiographical graphic novel about growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Also available as a movie, Persepolis shares a lot of themes with My Forbidden Face. Both are coming of age stories filled with personal anecdotes. Both take place against the backdrop of a revolution and a loss of freedoms. The biggest difference is how the protagonists deal with oppression. Marjane is stubborn and struggles against the new restrictions. In contrast, Latifa falls into a depression, requiring medical attention. However, she eventually fights back too, in the form of a secret school for younger children. However, even that is brought about through her despair of ever using her knowledge for herself again.
I would encourage anyone to read Persepolis, My Forbidden Face, or a similar book. A basic understanding of current events would well be supplemented by a more thorough understanding of the history of the Middle East. Beyond that, these books promote understanding of other people, not just their countries.