Since the collapse of the previous regime (Republic), many Afghans, especially the youth, have been experiencing immense psychological distress. Almost every path to achieving their dreams has been blocked, leaving the future uncertain. We have no idea what will happen next. What mistakes led us to this point? Which opportunities were wasted? Who is responsible for this tragedy? And most importantly, how can we break the vicious cycle that has kept our nation from progress and development for decades? For the past three years, it has become my habit—almost a daily routine—to read books on Afghanistan’s history, watch numerous documentaries, and study various articles to learn valuable lessons. Recently, I listened to a podcast series called A Wish for Afghanistan by BBC journalist Lyse Doucet, who has been following Afghanistan’s situation for over three decades. In this series, she interviews key figures in the country’s history—from one of the Taliban movement’s founders to the former president, the U.S. special envoy, journalists, and many more. Open your eyes, think critically, and be wise about your future! With love and respect, Your little brother, A. Bari Sahibzada

Very educational

Binge worthy😍

Excellent podcast that provided deeper understanding of a very complex place.

Incredible series. So informative and each episode has me in awe. Well done.

I really enjoy this podcast. In 2010-11 I was in Ghazni, Paktia and Parwan. I was disappointed when I left. I was disappointed I didn’t get sent back. I was disappointed in our strategy and the lack of non uniformed indigenous forces with pure intent. Pure intent is a mythical goal in an impoverished country without a higher calling. It’s good to hear these stories even though the actual afghans are talked over at times and edited mid sentence.

It’s rare to find such deep and human stories on Afghanistan. Highly recommended.

Thank you Lyse and the team for a great series! Though I was sad to see (hear) it go, I want to say this was great, and I can imagine, also difficult for those involved. I learned a lot, and the in-depth reporting, and allowing those that live there to speak for themselves really helped me understand. So much better than the reporting immediately following the pullout of Kabul done by all. Thanks again!

Every week I eagerly look forward to a new episode of this series. This podcast will make you fall in love with Afghanistan. Lyse Doucet does an amazing job, as always. A line in the podcast that has stuck with me ‘Afghanistan, a country that captured my imagination, my heart’. Music of this series by Arson Fahim adds on to this beautiful masterpiece.

Lyse Doucet has covered Afghanistan since the 1980s, speaks Dari, and understands the nuances of the country like very few do. She reports honestly and with absolute grace; sharing authentic voices and always asks the right questions. She has earned the respect of everyone she has met from all sides. Something that is not very easy to do anywhere, let alone in a country divided by 40-years of conflict. A lot of people have failed Afghanistan from both outside and inside the country, Lyse is one of the few who have not. This podcast gives you authentic voices and stories you need to hear if you really want to understand Afghanistan - and as usual Lyse knows exactly the right questions to ask and provides the needed context for the listener.