Five Years After Abbey Gate: Zainab Baqiri on Afghanistan & Flight2Future

In this episode of The Jason Jones Show, Jason sits down with Zainab Baqiri to discuss the Vulnerable People Project’s work in Afghanistan and the women and girls still fighting for a future beyond Taliban rule. Recorded on August 26, 2026, the fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, Jason and Zainab reflect on the chaos surrounding the fall of Afghanistan, the evacuation efforts they were involved in, and the attack that killed 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghans. They share their personal experiences from that period and discuss the importance of remembering the Afghan allies who were left behind and the promises made to them. Jason and Zainab also discuss Flight2Future, a VPP program helping talented young Afghan women who have earned scholarships and university admissions reach countries where they can safely continue their education. The program helps cover travel and relocation costs, including the additional expense created by Taliban restrictions that often require a male family member to accompany a woman traveling outside the country. Zainab shares her own journey as a refugee now living in Germany, where she was able to pursue her master’s degree with the support of a Catholic scholarship program. She reflects on how access to education, community, and opportunity helped her begin rebuilding her life. VPP is currently working to help seven young women facing urgent university deadlines through Flight2Future. To support Flight2Future and the Vulnerable People Project’s humanitarian work, donate at vulnerablepeople.com.