Episode 127: Falak Enayat on Escaping the Taliban

Falak Enayat worked for the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Afghanistan until Kabul was seized by the Taliban in 2021. Overnight, Falak became a hunted fugitive on a ‘red list’ of wanted persons, struggling to keep himself and his wife safe in a city suddenly dotted with military checkpoints, where even going outside in jeans was a suspicious act because of the insistence of the Taliban on traditional Afghan clothing.In our conversation, he shares his personal account of how he and his wife stayed alive, made it out of their country as it fell (for a second time) into the hands of theocratic militants, and eventually found sanctuary in Canada and then the United States.Falak’s story, and the good humour, resilience, and positivity that comes through in his telling of it, is an incredible and inspiring example of how we can choose to face the worst and rise above it. His experience also highlights the often-overlooked fact that when a refugee reaches a safe country, their journey is far from over.It’s a privilege to bring you his story. I hope you find it as touching and uplifting as I did.1984today.substack.com1984.today@1984TodayPod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 1984today.substack.com