Afghanistan: A Panel Discussion

Magnum Photos presents an evening panel discussion about Afghanistan, chaired by Peter Beaumont, Foreign Affairs Editor at the Observer.

Afghanistan’s history is one of regular invasion and a long struggle for self definition. In the late 19th century, Afghanistan became a buffer state in "The Great Game" played between the Russian and British Indian Empires and has since remained a pawn in international politics. Post 9/11, media reports of British army losses resulting from tough fighting in Helmand province are an unfortunate but familiar occurrence. With a new administration in the White House the world waits to see what direction Afghanistan will now take.

The event will include prolific photographers Chris Steele-Perkins, Thomas Dworzak and Abbas, whom have all spent extensive time documenting the country and its people, culture and religion. In 2001 Steele-Perkins produced the book 'Afghanistan', a collaborative project with Afghan poet Sayd Bahodine Majrouh. Thomas Dworzak has been a regular visitor to the country since 2001 and his unique, beautified and hand-coloured portraits of Taliban fighters were published in book format in 2003. Abbas, who has spent a lifetime documenting religion, presents his new book 'In Whose Name: The Islamic World After 9/11'.

Peter Beaumont, who will chair and lead the event, has reported extensively from conflict zones including Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East, and has written widely on human rights issues and the impact of conflict on civilians. He was the recipient of the George Orwell Prize and an Amnesty International Prize for his human rights reporting from Iraq. He has recently published a book 'The Secret Life of War: Journeys Through Modern Conflict' (Harvill Secker 2009).