War Studies

War Stories, Episode 3: A Humanitarian in a conflict zone, Afghanistan and Ukraine, 2009-2021

War Studies

Show Notes

In the third edition of the King’s College London War Studies War Stories podcast miniseries, hosted by King’s alumni Rupert Lane and Nick Denning (War Studies, 2002-2005), Ru and Nick speak to Rory Moylan (War Studies, 2002-2005), who worked as a humanitarian in Afghanistan, in Mazar-i-Sharif, with first ACTED and then the International Committee of the Red Cross through 2009-2013, and Sloviansk in the Ukraine, amongst others.

They delve into the complexity of operating across conflict lines as an independent humanitarian during an ongoing conflict, where risk is almost as high as that of a soldier in the same environment, yet protection depends on neutrality being respected by all sides. Rory, who is fluent in Farsi and Dari, focussed on dialogue between state, non-state actors and civilians, as well as detention centres.

Further Reading: Kabul Disco, by Nicolas Wild: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26155829

Key Locations Described: Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan; Sloviansk, Donbas, Ukraine

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