Hollie McKay

In this engaging discussion, journalist Hollie McKay shares her eye-opening experiences from a five-month trip in Afghanistan, capturing the chaos of Taliban rule and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding there. She dives into the political complexities, including the struggles faced by Afghan forces and the pervasive corruption impacting daily life. McKay also highlights the challenges of documenting this turbulent reality, as well as personal anecdotes that reveal both the resilience and fragility of the Afghan people under such oppressive circumstances.

Hollie McKay, an Australian-American journalist and author of "Only Cry for the Living," shares her gripping insights into the human cost of war in the Middle East. She recounts chilling tales of individuals trapped by ISIS, revealing their harrowing struggles for survival. The discussion delves into the complexities of reporting from conflict zones, emphasizing the crucial role of local fixers. McKay also explores the multifaceted motivations behind joining extremist groups, shedding light on the emotional toll of storytelling in the face of such profound trauma.