While we may not see it easily, the world is in a constant and irreversible state of change—sometimes seemingly for the better, sometimes seemingly for the worse. This is also true in the relationship between east and west. While news of new Taliban suicide bombings in Pakistan and Afghanistan may not seem like the situation is changing for the better, it is on the sidelines. By “sidelines” we mean cross-cultural exchanges and explorations in areas of music and the other arts where the people—and not their governments—come together. Evidence of this change exists in our friend Salman Ahmad, a Pakistan-born Sufi Muslim rock star, who has sold more than 30 million albums with his band Junoon, which the New York Times called, “the U2 of South Asia”. Although Junoon’s line-up has changed, Salman continues to tour with his new band mates. In mid-January, Salman released his autobiography, Rock & Roll Jihad, published by Simon and Schuster, a well-written and enjoyable book which I, Deepak, had the pleasure and privilege to write the back cover notes for.