Saad Mohseni, author of "Radio Free Afghanistan" and founder of the Moby Group, shares his insights on navigating media in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. He discusses the unique challenges journalists face and the resilience of Afghan culture, particularly in education and women's rights. The conversation touches on the stark differences in governance experiences between urban and rural areas. Mohseni also highlights the evolving identity of Afghan media amid political upheaval and the importance of international support for the Afghan populace.
The podcast discusses the Israeli military's plans to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid expanding military actions.
Saad Mohseni highlights the evolution of Afghan media under Taliban rule, focusing on its role in reflecting diverse cultural narratives.
The contrasting leadership styles of Afghan presidents Karzai and Ghani are examined in relation to governance challenges and corruption.
Mohseni advocates for international engagement that emphasizes women's rights in Afghanistan and recognizes local agency for meaningful changes.
Deep dives
Return to a Changed Kabul
After leaving Afghanistan in 1978, the return to Kabul in 2002 revealed a city transformed both physically and culturally. Though Saad Mohseni recognized familiar streets, he encountered a devastated city marked by destruction from years of conflict, with its population significantly reduced. Observing the people, he noted a sense of aimlessness among the residents, as they grappled with the aftermath of Taliban rule and civil war. The juxtaposition of the same city he remembered and the stark changes left a lasting impression, highlighting both personal nostalgia and the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn society.
Building Moby: A Diverse Media Landscape
Moby's inception aimed to reflect Afghanistan's rich diversity, utilizing radio and television to take into account the varied interests of its audience. The early 2000s allowed for an explosion of media options, with soap operas, reality shows, and music competitions designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including families. This inclusive approach not only connected different communities but also fostered a shared cultural identity among Afghans, contrasting sharply with the narratives promoted by the Taliban. By featuring both entertainment and education, Moby sought to empower people and present a more modern Afghan identity.
Reflections on Leadership: Karzai vs. Ghani
Saad Mohseni offers a critical appraisal of two significant Afghan leaders, Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani, highlighting their differing strengths and weaknesses. While Karzai displayed charisma and a strong national presence, he often struggled with management, leading to inefficiencies in governance. In contrast, Ghani, though well-educated and capable, brought an excessively didactic approach that stifled open communication and collaboration. This complex dynamic between the leaders and the country’s challenges shaped the overall political landscape, with both leaders failing to address the corruption and inefficacies that plagued governance.
Watching the Collapse: The Fall of Kabul
As the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Mohseni recalls an intense period of uncertainty where the collapse of Kabul felt imminent. Despite efforts to forecast the government's potential downfall, the speed of the Taliban's advance took many by surprise, leading to a chaotic evacuation. During this time, Moby's staff demonstrated remarkable resilience as they navigated the unfolding crisis while ensuring continuity in their news coverage. The organization's adaptation allowed them to broadcast developments, reflecting the rapid changes around them while prioritizing the safety and evacuation of personnel.
The Taliban's Reassurances and Contradictions
Initially, the transition to Taliban governance showcased a complex interaction between the militant group and the media, as they adopted a seemingly pragmatic approach toward broadcasting. This duality allowed for some female presence on air, reflecting a shift in policy while the Taliban's stricter social codes gradually came into play. As tensions grew, statutory prohibitions on music and entertainment revealed the Taliban's conflicting impulses between modernization and rigidity. The emerging narrative underscored the shifting landscape where the Taliban could not solely impose its authority without acknowledging the fervent Afghan desire for cultural expression.
Complexities of International Involvement
The book discusses the mixed legacy of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, noting the initial hope and subsequent disappointments of the Afghan populace. U.S. officials often underestimated the intricacies of Afghan society, leading to an oversimplified approach to governance and aid distribution. Mohseni emphasizes the necessity for both Afghans and the international community to reflect on the past and craft effective strategies moving forward, balancing engagement and criticism of local governance. As a bridge between the world and Afghanistan, he insists that maintaining open lines of communication can facilitate a more constructive relationship with the Taliban.
Empowering Women: A Path Forward
To address Afghanistan's pressing humanitarian crises, Mohseni advocates for international engagement that prioritizes women’s rights and education. He contends that the global community must openly challenge the Taliban's oppressive policies while also acknowledging the significant gains made for women's rights over two decades. The conversation must shift from merely addressing the grievances to creating real pathways for dialogue and support among local Afghans. This approach advocates for recognizing the agency of Afghan women to be their own advocates while leveraging international support to facilitate meaningful change.
Tommy and Ben discuss the Israeli military’s plan to seal off and lay siege to Northern Gaza, the Biden administration’s demand that Israel improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or else the US will (maybe?) cut off weapons shipments, the IDF’s expanding military campaign in Lebanon, and new details about how Israel might respond to Iran’s ballistic missile attack. They also talk about a “hit list” of Trump administration officials being targeted by Iran, North Korea blowing up roads connected to South Korea and sending troops to Russia, Canada and India expelling diplomats over the assassination of a Sikh activist, and Viktor Orbán getting dunked on in the European Parliament. Then Ben speaks to Saad Mohseni, author of “Radio Free Afghanistan” about running a media company in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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