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Waseem Mahmood Ex BBC producer, Waseem Mahmood has spent the past few years working as a consultant in media development, specialising in the media and communication strategies for advocacy of issues as diverse as poverty reduction, gender equality, human rights, minority rights, child rights and issues of good governance such as democratisation and electoral reform in geographic areas as varied as the Baltic’s and Balkans to South Asia, Middle East and Africa. His area of expertise over the past few years has become the role of media and civil society in conflict prevention and conflict resolution. He is now acknowledged by many to be one of the leading authorities of reconstruction of post conflict civil society/media. Postings have included Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. He was awarded in 2005 New Year’s honours list “for services to the reconstruction of Media in post war countries.” Working side by side with journalists in the countries has given him unprecedented access to people from all walks of life in those countries, from Ministers and academics to students and the ordinary person on the street. Having spent three years |
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Author’s Note
“Good Morning Afghanistan” does not attempt to patronise Afghanistan nor does it seek to present an overtly romantic vision of the country. I was fortunate to spend two and a half years in Kabul and was able to experience with the Afghans the journey of their nation as it took its first faltering steps towards peace and reconstruction after two decades of conflict. The proposed book presents a unique insight to a fascinating people as well as laying bare the “ambulance chasing” mentality of what has become a multi billion dollar aid industry.
“Good Morning Afghanistan” is not a dire, tragic melodrama like some other books about the country which always seem to be to dwell on negative portrayals of Afghanistan and its people, often sensationalising without context. But neither is the book a gushing apology on behalf of Afghanistan. What it is, however, is a frank look at a country struggling to get back onto its feet after decades of unrest as seen through a group of diverse individuals who are thrown together by fate to put a radio station on air. It is adventure book which is at times moving and at times very funny. The book is written in a style to consciously be accessible to as wide an audience as possible and appeal to section of the people who would not necessarily buy a book about Afghanistan. The characters are not stereotypes but real people with whom the readers will be able to associate.
In a world where a clash of civilisations between Islam and the West is being played out in the media with Afghanistan at its epicentre, “Good Morning, Afghanistan” endeavours to help readers get a better understanding of the conflicts at the root of the problems.