Welcome to Episode 31 of The Afghanistan Project Podcast, where hosts Mikael Cook and Beth Bailey highlight the struggles of Afghans living under Taliban rule, and the efforts of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and political affiliations who have stepped up to provide support to the people of Afghanistan in the chaos that followed the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Our guest, Kevin Rardin, tells listeners about his experience as a Command Judge Advocate in Afghanistan as an Army JAG Corps officer, and the affection he developed for his Afghan counterparts and especially his interpreter, whom we are calling Abdul-Hadi. Kevin and Abdul-Hadi grew especially close in the years after Kevin left the country, and when Abdul-Hadi asked Kevin to help him escape Kabul in August 2021, Kevin details the epic journey that the two underwent to find safety for his endangered interpreter and his wife and eight children.

Kevin also discusses his continued work supporting Afghan prosecutors who are at risk for promoting democracy and rule of law through the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

Today’s episode concludes with a story from a stranded Afghan interpreter who calls himself Zee. Zee expressed his sadness that the Taliban had named August 15 Mujahideen Victory Day, considering that the only such day that many Afghans celebrate is the day when the pro-Russian government collapsed in 1992. Zee says he hopes that the international community never recognizes the Taliban.

About the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys:

Follow APA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APAinc

About the hosts:

Mikael Cook was an Army non-commissioned officer and veteran

Beth Bailey worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner. Follow her on Instagram @BWBailey85 or Twitter @BWBailey85.

For listeners in Afghanistan:

If you would like to have your story considered for a future episode, please send us a letter about your experiences to our show e-mail address, [email protected]. Please include as much detail as possible, and let us know if you would like us to give you a pseudonym to protect your identity.