Afghan Diaspora in US Holds Meeting 'From Exile to Empowerment'

A number of Afghan citizens residing in the United States held a meeting titled "From Exile to Empowerment; Opportunities for the Afghan Diaspora Community in the United States."

The event was organized by the Afghan diaspora community at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Some participants stated that migrants who left Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power are the "richest" in terms of human capital.

Omar Sharifi, a participant, said: "For many of us, leaving Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power was an act of disobedience."

The meeting comes amid an exodus of activists, academic staff, university professors, researchers, and experts following the Taliban's renewed control over the country.

Experts believe Afghanistan now faces a cadre vacuum due to the departure of its academic, research, and university personnel. They warn that filling this gap will be difficult and time-consuming for future governments if these individuals do not return.