Dispatches from the Kabul Cafe by Heidi Kingstone

Author, Heidi Kingstone reflects on her time as a war correspondent

A while back I went to hear my friend, Heidi Kingstone talk about her book Dispatches from the Kabul Cafe and memories of being a war correspondent in Afghanistan.

Heidi began by explaining the phenomenon, Kabubble, which arose in Kabul as a result of all the western cash flowing into the city. It sounded like quite the party town! Heidi felt the biggest misconception of Afghanistan by far was its women. She conceded that there are many issues and problems to face but the women are not all victims in burkas. They are just as complex as us: lovely, witty, good, bad, bitchy, and people forget that about Afghan women.

Heidi also told us of a thriving press which simply did not exist before. This development is most encouraging as it brings Afghanistan closer to peace and accountability.

A poignant moment came when Heidi said that there is something about living in the edge of someone else’s war that has changed her. She felt sadness about not being able to do more … Not guilt, but sadness. Although she felt privileged to witness Afghans rebuilding their country with love.

Was Heidi scared for her safety in Kabul? She said no, they had unarmed guards. She found walking around Kabul by herself as an unaccompanied woman absolutely fine which she attributes to being foreign. To Heidi it was just an amazing place, full of beauty and history with wonderful characters.

Heidi was asked about how she decided upon the depths of revelations about love affairs and were there any regrets. Heidi had no regrets, however she mentioned that she did cringe a little when her parents asked for copies of the book.

There was grief as well as love in Kabul for Heidi. Some of her friends were killed and I really portrayed her loss when she described her friend who died in his own cafe with 21 customers and in another instance Heidi told us about a team of doctors who were killed. It sounded truly tragic.

We left on a positive note and Heidi said that there are small victories every day in Afghanistan. Healthcare has improved, more children attend school and the new generation of Afghans is extraordinary and living in extraordinary times.

Is Heidi bored to be back in London? She admitted it does take her months to come down, and London is home, but it won’t be long before she starts a new project.

You can find Heidi’s book here.