The Middle East Institute is proud to host  Kandahar-based writers and researchers Alex Strick van Linschoten and Felix Kuehn for a discussion about the state of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the current situation in Kandahar. Strick van Linschoten and Kuehn translated and edited My Life with the Taliban, an account of the inner workings of the organization from the perspective of former Taliban minister and ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, who was arrested following the overthrow of the Taliban and spent four years in Guantanamo Bay. Exploring the dynamics within the Taliban and the local tribes from which they draw their support, Strick van Linschoten and Kuehn will discuss the concerns and views of local Afghans living amid the confusion of a foreign political and military intervention.

BIO:
Alex Strick van Linschoten is the translator and co-editor of My Life with the Taliban (Columbia/Hurst, 2010). He first traveled to Afghanistan six years ago as a tourist. In 2006, he co-founded AfghanWire.com with Felix Kuehn. He has worked as a freelance journalist from Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and Somalia, writing for Foreign Policy, International Affairs, ABC Nyheter, The Sunday Times (UK), The Globe and Mail (Canada) and the Tablet (UK). Currently, he is working on a book and PhD at the War Studies Department of King's College London on the interactions between Sufi groups and militant jihadi organizations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and Somalia. He and Felix Kuehn are also currently working on a history of southern Afghanistan (1970-2001). Strick van Linschoten holds a bachelor's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies in Arabic and Persian Studies and is fluent in Arabic, Farsi, Pashtu and German, and has a working knowledge of French and Dutch.

Felix Kuehn is the translator and co-editor of My Life with the Taliban (Columbia/Hurst, 2010). He traveled to Afghanistan five years ago, having spent several years in the Middle East, and currently lives in Kandahar, Afghanistan. In 2006, he co-founded AfghanWire.com with Alex Strick van Linschoten and is currently working together with Strick van Linschoten on a history of southern Afghanistan (1970-2001). He holds a bachelor's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies in Arabic and Development Studies and is fluent in Arabic, English and German, with a working knowledge of French and Spanish.

Because of the popularity of MEI programs and limited seating, MEI anticipates a capacity audience for the program.  MEI wishes to accommodate all registered guests but will give MEI members and supporters priority seating.  We encourage you to become an MEI member if you wish to avoid sitting in the overflow room. Early arrival for all is encouraged.

Please RSVP online or by email to rsvp@mei.edu.