Welcome to Episode 46 of The Afghanistan Project Podcast, where hosts Beth Bailey and Mikael Cook 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.

Today’s episode was intended to be a short discussion that several Afghans asked me to host about their special immigrant visa and humanitarian parole cases with recently retired Air Force Lt. Col. Will Selber, and Kate Kovarovic, the former Director of Resilience Programming for the #AfghanEvac coalition.

What happened when we started recording was unexpected, but pretty incredible. Three stories became over a dozen as Will, Kate, and I started regurgitating some of the most difficult cases we’ve handled in the last two and a half years.

This is an important episode. If you’re someone who questions what possesses people to devote so much time and energy to the causes of our Afghan allies, watch this episode.

If you’re a volunteer with a loved one who doesn’t understand the work you’re undertaking, I encourage you to watch this with them, and tell them your own stories.

Something struck me about three-quarters of the way into recording this one, and I eventually give it voice. The fact that Will and Kate and I (and any other person who has gotten wrapped up in this effort) can recall these humans we’ve supported through the unthinkable in such detail is a testament to the impression that work has made on us. This issue has become marrow-deep for volunteers. They won’t give up.

About the hosts:

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 or X ⁠@BWBailey85⁠.

Mikael Cook was an Army non-commissioned officer and veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He was an active member of the #DigitalDunkirk movement to evacuate our Afghan allies in August of 2021. You can follow him on Instagram or X ⁠@Mikaelcook89⁠.

Will Selber is a retired Middle East Foreign Area Officer who spent 4 1/2 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an active member of Operation Sacred Promise and has helped relocate 100+ Afghans. He is currently the Military Affairs Fellow at the Bulwark. You can follow him on X at @AggieWill00

For Afghan listeners:

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].