Don’t Idealize the Hero

Afghan Mujahideen leaders, including the celebrated commander Ahmed Shah Masoud, emerged in a complex landscape of fundamentalism and moderation. While Masoud gained fame and was portrayed as a heroic figure fighting for Afghan democracy, he also engaged in drug dealing and smuggling, showcasing the ambiguous morality of those celebrated as national heroes. The support of external powers like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan further complicates the narrative, revealing the multifaceted reality behind the image of the 'lion of the Panjir Valley'.