Past as Prologue

Published in July 2021

Two decades on, as the U.S. prepare to withdraw militarily from Afghanistan, it is time to revisit Lévy’s report, available in English for the first time, and to reflect on what once was hoped and envisioned for the country, as well as what has happened in the years since. Foreword by General David Petraeus.

Afghanistan

Described here are eight trips to Afghanistan made by a French writer over a period of 40 years, the country and its unceasing tragedy ever in his heart. The abandonment of Afghanistan to the Taliban is considered a wound and a stain by countless humanitarians, academics, archaeologists, soldiers, diplomats, and ordinary citizens, as it is for all lovers of liberty. But the fight goes on. Yesterday with the legendary Ahmad Shah Massoud; today with his son, the new Lion of Panjshir.