Norwich hosts Afghanistan debate with former Army chief

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

A discussion about Britain's involvement in Afghanistan comes to Norwich, featuring a former head of the British Army and an American war correspondent.

Pranvera Shema Smith, who co-founded London's Frontline Club, is launching her On Front Line Norwich series tonight at The Forum. The inaugural event, titled To Lose a War: Afghanistan Five Years On, will examine the war in Afghanistan and the lessons that can be learned from Britain's involvement. The discussion features former head of the British Army General Lord Richard Dannatt and acclaimed American war correspondent Jon Lee Anderson, who has reported from Afghanistan since the 1980s. BBC journalist Louise Hulland will chair, with audience members invited to put their own questions to the speakers.

The event comes 25 years after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and five years after the Taliban returned to power following the withdrawal of Western forces. For Shema Smith, Afghanistan holds deeply personal significance. In early 2001, she worked on a Channel 4 documentary called Beneath the Veil which exposed life under Taliban rule. In August 2021, as the Taliban advanced towards Kabul, she helped coordinate the evacuation of 52 Afghan journalists.

How it is being reported

• Global debate comes to Norwich thanks to former Army chief and war correspondentGlobal debate comes to Norwich as former Army chief and war correspondent discuss AfghanistanNorwich Evening News · 19 Oct, 10:25
• Global debate comes to Norwich thanks to former Army chief and war correspondentGlobal debate comes to Norwich as former Army chief and war correspondent discuss AfghanistanEastern Daily Press · 19 Oct, 10:25

In this story: Pranvera Shema Smith · General Lord Richard Dannatt · Jon Lee Anderson · Louise Hulland · The Forum · Norwich · Afghanistan · Frontline Club

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