The history of the Kabul Inter-Continental Hotel is the history of a nation.

Built in 1969, it has stood through Soviet occupation, multiple coups, a civil war, a US invasion and waves of Taliban control. Legendary international war correspondent Lyse Doucet arrived at the ‘Inter-Con’ for the first time in 1988. The Finest Hotel in Kabul chronicles 40 years of visits, during which Lyse reported on events that made world news and formed intimate connections with the people of Kabul.

Listen as Lyse reflects on the story of modern Afghanistan as told by its people, in conversation with Debbie Whitmont.

This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow our channel.  

Sydney Writers’ Festival podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms.  

After more? Follow Sydney Writers’ Festival on social media: 
Instagram: @sydwritersfest 
Facebook: @SydWritersFest 
TikTok: @sydwritersfest 

The history of the Kabul Inter-Continental Hotel is the history of a nation.
Built in 1969, it has stood through Soviet occupation, multiple coups, a civil war, a US invasion and waves of Taliban control. Legendary international war correspondent Lyse Doucet arrived at the &lsquo;Inter-Con&rsquo; for the first time in 1988. The Finest Hotel in Kabul chronicles 40 years of visits, during which Lyse reported on events that made world news and formed intimate connections with the people of Kabul.
Listen as Lyse reflects on the story of modern Afghanistan as told by its people, in conversation with Debbie Whitmont.
This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sydney Writers&rsquo; Festival.&nbsp;
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow our channel. &nbsp;
Sydney Writers&rsquo; Festival podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms. &nbsp;
After more? Follow Sydney Writers&rsquo; Festival on social media:&nbsp; Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydwritersfest/">@sydwritersfest</a>&nbsp; Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SydWritersFest">@SydWritersFest</a>&nbsp; TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sydwritersfest">@sydwritersfest</a>&nbsp;

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