339. Navigating Ethics in Afghan Journalism with Saad Mohseni (Part 2)

Oct 3, 2024

Saad Mohseni, co-founder and executive officer of Moby Group, shares insights from his remarkable journey from London to leading Afghanistan's largest media company. He discusses the grim realities of Afghan journalism under the Taliban's regime, the flawed U.S. strategy that contributed to ongoing issues, and the critical need for effective communication and understanding in international diplomacy. Mohseni highlights the consequences of hasty withdrawals and emphasizes the importance of nuanced, long-term strategies for peace in the region.

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INSIGHT

Apathy Through Lack of Understanding

A lack of understanding can lead to apathy, especially in complex situations like Afghanistan.
This is compounded by ambitious nation-building efforts that don't yield quick results, leading to disillusionment.

INSIGHT

Flawed Withdrawal Process

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan was a flawed process, excluding the Afghan government.
This signaled victory to the Taliban and discouraged compromise.

ANECDOTE

Biden's Past Opposition

A journalist shared an anecdote about Biden's opposition to a program similar to the SIV program during the Vietnam War.
This raises questions about Biden's views on Afghan people.

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Saad Mohseni, the visionary co-founder and executive officer of Moby Group, shares his remarkable journey from London to Kabul in our latest episode. Born to Afghan parents and having traversed the globe, Saad found himself in the heart of Afghanistan in 2002, where his modest radio station blossomed into the nation's largest media company. Despite the Taliban's return in 2021 and the ensuing restrictive environment, Moby Group perseveres. Saad's story is not just one of business success but of relentless resilience and the fight to uphold an independent media voice in one of the world's most challenging regions.

Episode Summary:

Greg continues his conversation with Saad Mohseni, co-founder and chairman of Moby Group, Afghanistan's largest media company. They explore the complex political and social landscapes of Afghanistan, getting into the implications of the 2021 US withdrawal and the aftermath of the Taliban's return to power. Mohseni, a seasoned media professional and author of "Radio Free: A 20-Year Odyssey for an Independent Voice in Kabul," shares invaluable insights into the nuances of working within Afghanistan's challenging media environment and the broader geopolitical consequences of recent events.

They also examine themes of misjudgments and misunderstandings by US policymakers, the importance of multilateral talks, and the need for pragmatic, long-term strategies over short-term warfare. Greg and Saad discuss the perilous impacts of disengagement and the crucial necessity for ongoing communication and thoughtful engagement even with seemingly adversarial parties. They reflect on the broader implications of these issues, not just for Afghanistan but for global stability, emphasizing that interconnected systems and regional stability require continuous, nuanced dialogue.

Key Takeaways:

Impact and Challenges of the US Withdrawal: Saad outlines the flawed decision-making and lack of strategic planning in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, emphasizing the adverse repercussions on Afghan society and regional stability.
Listening and Engagement: Both Greg and Saad highlight the importance of "listening competence" and ongoing engagement with all parties, including the Taliban, as essential for fostering stability and progress.
Pragmatism Over Idealism: The discussion underscores the necessity for pragmatic approaches over idealistic ones in dealing with complex geopolitical issues, suggesting gradual and internally evolved solutions.
Interconnected Systems: The critical global interdependencies are discussed, stressing that Afghan instability has far-reaching implications, from refugee crises to global terrorism and drug trafficking.
Leadership and Vision: Saad stresses the need for strong leadership and vision in addressing the Afghan issue, urging policymakers to look beyond short-term setbacks and consider long-term solutions.

Notable Quotes: