The Lessons We Miss: Reflections on Afghanistan

Earlier this week, I attended an incredibly insightful discussion hosted by Rory Stewart in conversation with Saad Mohseni, CEO of the Moby Media Group. As the driving force behind Afghanistan's largest media company, Mohseni has played a huge role in shaping the country's media landscape, championing free press and the critical role of journalism in challenging authoritarian regimes.

The conversation explored Afghanistan’s history, the fragility of societies, and the role of media in navigating conflict and oppression. It was a stark reminder of the need for nuance, historical context, and a global perspective in understanding conflict. Mohseni’s reflections underscored that journalism is not just a tool for informing but a safeguard against the erosion of democratic values—lessons that resonate far beyond Afghanistan.

Before Collapse, There Was Peace

For me, the panel discussion was a reminder of how important it is to continually examine our own biases, particularly when considering how we view countries like Afghanistan.

When we think about Afghanistan, the dominant narrative often focuses on conflict—the Taliban, CIA interventions, and decades of war. Yet, as Mohseni reminded us, Afghanistan had long periods of peace before these collapses. For centuries, it was a nation experiencing stability, rich in culture and community.

This history matters because it challenges the reductive lens through which the West often views nations in the Global South: as inherently unstable or volatile. For many living through upheaval today, the transition from peace to conflict can be profoundly disorienting. It’s also a reminder to those of us in seemingly stable societies that the stability we take for granted is far more fragile than we might believe.?

The Role of Independent Voices Under Authoritarian Regimes

Afghanistan today operates under an authoritarian regime shaped by conservative religious doctrine. Yet, within this environment, resistance persists. Women in Kabul continue to drive, work, and challenge efforts to erase them from public life. Resistance has its limits though—there is only so much that can be achieved without broader systemic change.

Mohseni spoke to these dynamics from his own experience as the CEO of Moby Media Group; their work amplifies the voices of people in Afghanisation whilst also running educational programmes for girls barred from attending school. He shared how his organisation navigates the delicate balance of providing independent journalism under immense pressure.

Journalists in Afghanistan walk a precarious line, balancing the vital role of independent storytelling with the constant threat of repression. Their work goes far beyond reporting—they create space for untold stories and fight systemic barriers to education and information. Yet, the Taliban’s paradoxical relationship with the media, relying on it to win hearts and minds while seeking to control it, makes this work challenging.?

The Global Parallels: Press Freedom and Polarisation

These lessons from Afghanistan are not isolated. While the challenges faced by the press in authoritarian regimes may appear starkly different from those in democracies, there are some parallels. Across the globe, governments and the press share a complicated relationship.

In democracies like the UK and the US, the rise of media bubbles has reshaped how stories are told and consumed. Increasingly, people seek content that reinforces their existing beliefs, fragmenting narratives and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This raises profound questions:

• How do we cover stories with nuance and complexity?
• Whose voices are amplified, and whose are silenced?
• Who owns and controls the platforms through which we consume information?

The experiences of Afghan journalists highlight the universal importance of an independent and resilient press. In Afghanistan, the stakes are high—freedom of the press is a matter of political accountability and a lifeline for those navigating oppression. Yet, even in democracies, the erosion of trust in journalism, the rise of echo chambers, and the concentration of media ownership should be things we’re all concerned by.

The West’s Role and the Cost of Withdrawal

The discussion also turned to the West’s role in shaping Afghanistan’s current state. Despite the Taliban’s lack of widespread support—national polls consistently showed their approval rating below 15%—the withdrawal of American troops under President Biden created a dangerous vacuum. As Mohseni described it, the manner of the withdrawal was “borderline criminal,” reflecting a lack of foresight and care for the consequences on the ground.

Even now, Afghanistan remains a notable recipient of international aid, yet these financial commitments have failed to foster a stable democratic foundation with Western strategies often prioritising short-term political gains. On the other hand, recent decisions to withhold funds from Afghanistan as a punitive measure has not brought about any change, instead exacerbating the consequences on the ground.

These failures demand a critical reassessment of Western interventions. Beyond poor execution, they raise deeper questions about intent: Were these interventions ever genuinely designed to support the Afghan people, or were they primarily driven by geopolitical interests? There is an urgent need for accountability paired with a more thoughtful, long-term approach to foreign policy—one that prioritises stability and the realities on the ground.

The Anger Beneath the Surface

The conversation also touched on the wider region, particularly Gaza, which Mohseni described as “the most consequential thing happening in our lifetime.” Young people across the Islamic world have voiced deep anger about the crisis, even as Gulf leaders remain muted in their responses. A recent survey of young Arab youth found that 97% expressed concern about Gaza, highlighting a growing disconnect between leadership and public sentiment.

This discontent isn’t limited to the Gulf. In the West, leaders have faced mounting criticism over their stance on Gaza. Protests across Europe and North America have drawn millions, with demonstrators calling out governments for perceived complicity or silence in the face of immense human suffering. The gap between leadership decisions and public opinion reflects a broader discontent, underscoring a growing demand for accountability on the global stage.

The Lessons We Miss

As the discussion concluded, one point stood out: if we are to chart a better future, we must confront the mistakes of the past without being defined by them. This means understanding the complexities of history, recognising the realities of those living through conflict and genocide, and striving for integrity in the face of authoritarianism and injustice.?

Afghanistan’s story, like so many others, cannot be reduced to one of perpetual conflict. It is a story of peace, fragility, resistance, and survival. The lessons from Afghanistan, and the parallels we see globally, challenge us to reflect on the fragility of stability and the importance of independent voices in safeguarding truth and accountability. What seems stable today can change tomorrow. The question is: how will we respond?

Further Reading: Understanding Afghanistan’s History and Regional Context

• Voices of Afghanistan by Saad Mohseni – A forthcoming book capturing the resilience and complexity of life under the Taliban, as told by one of the country’s leading media figures.
• The Favored Daughter: One Woman’s Fight to Lead Afghanistan into the Future by Fawzia Koofi – A memoir by an Afghan politician and activist, offering a deeply personal view of Afghanistan’s struggles and potential.
• Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother’s Letter to Her Son by Homeira Qaderi – A moving memoir chronicling the sacrifices of an Afghan mother who fights for women’s rights under the Taliban while separated from her child.
• My Pen Is the Wing of a Bird: New Fiction by Afghan Women – An anthology amplifying the voices of 18 Afghan women, sharing intimate and diverse perspectives on life, struggle, and resilience in Afghanistan.