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Salzburg Global Fellow Mustafa Aryan recounts the vivid memories he has of the Afghan government collapse

The 15th of August 2021, a date forever etched in the memory of the Afghan people, marked the catastrophic fall of the Afghan Republic. As the sun rose on that fateful morning, casting its golden glow upon the city of Kabul, little did I know that the day would forever change the course of my life.

I embarked on my daily routine, unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon. The lively streets of Kabul hummed with their usual energy, but beneath the surface, there was an unmistakable air of unease. Whispers of political unrest and the encroaching presence of the Taliban lingered in the minds of the people.

As the hours passed and the sun reached its peak, the city became a canvas for chaos. The news spread like wildfire that the Afghan government had collapsed, and the Taliban fighters had seized control of Kabul. Panic and uncertainty swept through the nation like a tidal wave, leaving no corner untouched. The once-vibrant streets turned into avenues of fear and apprehension.

Amid the turmoil, I found my world turned upside down. My home, a sanctuary I had taken for granted, suddenly felt like a fragile construct on the verge of crumbling. The rights and freedoms that I had grown familiar with, the very foundation of my existence, seemed to be slipping away.

The days that followed were filled with a deep sense of fear of the unknown. The history and reputation of the Taliban painted a grim picture of what awaited those who dared to oppose them. As the weight of the situation settled upon my shoulders, it felt as if my entire life, painstakingly built over decades of hard work and dedication, was being reduced to ashes.

Dreams and hopes, like delicate petals torn from a flower, withered in the face of the upheaval. The vibrant tapestry of Kabul turned into a scene of uncertainty, its colours muted by the shadows of doubt. Amidst the chaos, the flames of hope flickered and threatened to be extinguished by the darkness that loomed.

With a heavy heart and a mind filled with turmoil, I made the agonizing decision to leave behind my beloved homeland. The journey to safety was treacherous, fraught with danger and uncertainty at every turn. The once bustling Kabul airport now echoes with gunshots and the haunting cries of children caught in the gunfire.

As I boarded the airplane that would carry me away from the land I had called home, tears streamed down my face, mingling with the weight of grief and loss. They were tears not just for me but for the people whose dreams and aspirations were torn apart and whose lives were forever altered by the events that had occurred.

Three days later, weary and worn, I found myself in the embrace of a new land. Copenhagen and later Toronto welcomed me with open arms, offering respite from the chaos that had consumed my homeland. Yet, amidst the safety and stability, a sense of homelessness settled within me—a feeling that extended beyond the physical, permeating the depths of my being.

In those moments of quiet solitude, as I lay upon a bed and pulled a blanket tightly around myself, the weight of the journey settled upon my shoulders. It was in those moments of reflection that I realized the power of choice—the decision to rise above the circumstances that sought to define me.

Tony Robbins' words echoed in my mind, reminding me that life's quality is shaped not by our conditions but by the decisions we make. I resolved to embrace the lessons that the tumultuous journey had taught me—lessons that would serve as beacons of light in the darkness.

Lesson one: Recognize change. I found solace in routine, in the act of grounding myself amidst the uncertainty. I established a daily practice of gratitude, acknowledging the small blessings that remained in my life. Each morning, as I opened my eyes to a new day, I reminded myself to be grateful for the opportunity to rebuild and find strength in the face of adversity. I recognized that change was inevitable and that by acknowledging it, I could navigate its effects with greater clarity and resilience.

Lesson two: Adapt to change. The journey had taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Like a reed that bends with the wind, I learned to adjust my expectations and embrace the unknown. I allowed myself to be shaped by the challenges I faced, knowing that it was through adaptation that I would find the strength to overcome them. I sought opportunities for growth, seeking out new experiences and connections that would help me rebuild my life in a new land.

Lesson three: Keep integrity. In the aftermath of despair, it is easy to lose sight of one's values and principles. But I refused to let adversity erode the core of who I was. I rebuilt my life from the ground up, embracing the challenges and opportunities that came my way with unwavering integrity. I made a commitment to myself to stay true to my beliefs, knowing that by doing so, I would leave a lasting impression on others and contribute to positive change in my community.

Lesson four: Be hopeful. In the darkest of times, hope is the beacon that guides us forward. I maintained hope like a lifeline, reminding myself that adversity is not the end of the story but merely a chapter in the grand tapestry of life. With hope in my heart, I summoned the courage to keep moving forward, believing that even the smallest seed of possibility could grow into a flourishing tree of opportunity. Each day brought with it the potential for a brighter future, and I held onto that hope with unwavering faith.

Lesson five: Live life. I recognized that life is a precious gift, and even in the face of adversity, I was determined to make the most of it. I seized every opportunity that came my way, whether it was finding a job, pursuing my passions, or connecting with like-minded individuals. I revelled in the simple joys, cherishing the moments of laughter, love, and connection that brought light into my days. I embraced the present, knowing that life is meant to be lived, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Over the course of two years, my journey has transformed me into a resilient person, unafraid to face the unknown, and committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of the Afghan people. Through writing and speaking, I strive to inspire hope, embrace change, and never lose sight of our dreams. As I continue forward with purpose, armed with the lessons of adversity, I am determined to make a difference, building a world where peace and prosperity flourish and where no one's dreams are extinguished by chaos. I carry an unwavering belief that change is possible, hope can conquer despair, and resilience will always be rewarded, making this my story of resilience and hope—an ode to the indomitable spirit of humanity and an unwavering pursuit of a brighter future for myself and the world.

Mustafa Aryan is a Research Officer at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. He is also the Director of the Security, Gender, and Development Institute, which operates as an international volunteer network of experts producing research and events focused on a gendered analysis of international security and development topics. Prior to the fall of the Afghan government, he served as the director of policy and strategy at the Office of the Chief Executive of Afghanistan, and then as the director of the Regional and International Affairs of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation. Mustafa holds a master's degree in International Security from the University of Reading in the UK. He is a Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow and a Board Member of the Canadian International Council—Toronto Branch. Mustafa often writes op-eds in English and Persian, several of which have been published in well-known international media outlets.