The BBC’s Lyse Doucet reflects on the turbulent recent history of Afghanistan through the story of Kabul’s Inter-Con Hotel and its dedicated staff

“It was like Mad Max with the whirling of the blades of the transporter planes and people walking in straight lines almost zombie-like towards them. They were literally leaving everything behind.”

Author InterviewsJul 12, 2025by Caroline Sanderson

Lyse Doucet © Paula Bronstein

The BBC’s chief international correspondent’s first book is a captivating people’s history of Afghanistan told through the collected stories of those who have worked at Kabul’s famed ‘Inter-Con’ hotel.

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