Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan and son of the famed ‘Lion of Panjshir,’ is sounding the alarm from his strategic exile with his upcoming memoir. As the Taliban tightens its grip on Afghanistan, Massoud warns that the resurgence of control by these hardline Islamists poses a serious threat to both local and global security.
Imminent Threat
The anti-Taliban resistance leader warns of an inevitable terrorist attack on American soil. Ahmad Massoud highlights the dangerous void left after the U.S. withdrawal, suggesting Europe could be equally at risk. Ahmad Massoud continues the fight of his father, the revered ‘Lion of Panjshir,’ who was killed by Al Qaeda just before 9/11. His struggle intensifies as he critiques the U.S. withdrawal, viewing it as a betrayal that has empowered radical forces.
Backward Spiral
The chaotic U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan has undone years of progress, according to Massoud. He depicts a grim return to power for extremists, reversing gains and imposing harsh rule. Massoud, educated in war studies, sternly advises the U.S. not to disregard the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Ignoring his warnings could lead to dire consequences on foreign soils.
Terror Peaks
Since the debacle at Kabul International Airport, terrorist recruitment and activity have surged to unprecedented levels. Massoud ominously predicts a terrorist strike in the U.S. or Europe is not just possible—it’s imminent. Massoud criticizes the West for its hypocrisy, leaving Afghanistan to a government that tramples on the very ideals of democracy they once championed. This betrayal has led to severe repression, particularly against women.
The Last Stand
As the sole beacon of resistance, Massoud calls for urgent international support. He challenges the Biden administration to revise its policies toward Afghanistan to avert further catastrophe and recounts his unheeded warnings as the U.S. withdrawal neared, predicting disastrous outcomes if strict conditions were not imposed on the Taliban. His fears were realized as Afghanistan quickly unraveled.
A Personal and Global Tragedy
The assassination of his father marked a profound personal loss for Massoud, which coincided closely with the global shock of 9/11. These events have deeply influenced his resolve and perspective on global security. From a young age, Massoud was groomed for leadership within the resistance movement. Even as a child, his path seemed intertwined with the destiny shaped by his father, the famed Lion of Panjshir.
Memoirs of a Resistance Leader
Massoud penned his memoir, “In the Name of My Father: Struggling for Freedom in Afghanistan,” amid fears of his possible death at the hands of the enemy. His writings aim to document his leadership and the ongoing struggle for peace. In his book, set to release on April 30, Massoud outlines his vision for an Afghanistan free from the grip of radical Islamists and terror. He argues for a rational, peaceful future for his homeland.
Resistance in Exile
After the Taliban takeover of the Panjshir Valley in September 2021, Massoud retreated to Tajikistan. He had previously established the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, predicting a civil war without a fair power-sharing agreement. Massoud’s resistance now boasts thousands of fighters, including defectors from the Afghan Special Forces. They are actively engaged across Afghanistan, including Kabul, despite the well-armed opposition funded by remnants of foreign military assets.
A Leader on the Move
To ensure his safety, Massoud continually relocates, leading the resistance from various global locations. Despite the challenges, the movement gains strength as anti-Taliban sentiment grows within Afghanistan. While the Taliban access substantial funds and military resources, Massoud’s fighters prepare to resist any major assaults. However, the resistance urgently needs more support from former allies who have withdrawn after two decades of involvement.
A Plea for Attention
Massoud emphasizes the rising threat of terrorism amid global distractions like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He warns that neglecting Afghanistan could have dire global consequences, not just a national catastrophe. Massoud calls on the global community to recognize the erosion of women’s rights and democracy under Taliban rule. He describes the Afghan resistance as a desperate attempt to reclaim fundamental human rights.
A Call to Recognize the Imminent Danger
Massoud warns that the West’s indifference could allow Afghanistan to become a major terrorism hub. He emphasizes that the threat of attacks in the U.S. and Europe is not hypothetical but a looming certainty. Massoud’s memoir, In the Name of My Father: Struggling for Freedom in Afghanistan, is set to be released soon, providing deeper insights into his ongoing struggle and the critical situation in Afghanistan.
