In-person Location: Peter Richards Room, Hughes Hall, Wollaston Road, Cambridge. More location information Laurie Bristow, the President of Hughes Hall, was the last UK ambassador to Afghanistan. He will talk about what happened in August 2021 and why it matters.On 15 August 2021, the world watched in horror as Kabul fell to the Taliban, 20 years after western-backed Afghan forces overthrew the Taliban in theaftermath of the 9/11 attacks. How did 20 years of trying to build a modern democratic society in Afghanistan come to nothing?Laurie Bristow, President of Hughes Hall will talk about the looming collapse of Afghanistan as western military forces pulled out, the political intrigues among the Afghan elite, the indifferenceof western politicians, and the evacuation from Kabul. Speakers Sir Laurie Bristow KCMG Laurie Bristow became President of Hughes Hall in October 2022, following a 32 year career in the UK Diplomatic Service. He served as ambassador three times: to Afghanistan (2021), to the Russian Federation (2016-2020) and to Azerbaijan (2004-2007). Refreshments will be provided after the talk. Contact information The Festival Team Email: festival@alumni.cam.ac.uk Location Peter Richards Room, Hughes Hall, Wollaston Road Cambridge CB1 2EW United Kingdom Location information Accessibility information The venue is wheelchair accessible. 52.200908, 0.132173 Directions on Google Maps
