Where Whispers Echo, Episode 1

Timeline

1949
December 25 1949

Astill Prepares To Leave for Afghanistan

Washington D.C.:  Young, ambitious and arrogant, William Astill prepares to leave for Afghanistan, where he will take up his duties as Public Affairs Attache. Family and/or colleagues keep confusing Afghanistan..Read More

1950
January 9 1950
Astill Arrives in Kabul

Astill Arrives in Kabul

Astill arrives in Kabul, meets Ambassador Dreyfus. Astill is appointed Acting Public Affairs Officer. This is a temporary promotion until the actual POA arrives later in the spring. Hard winter,..Read More

February 2 1950
Astill Fumes About Native Incompetence

Astill Fumes About Native Incompetence

Astill grows impatient with Afghan student (“Gul Ghilzai”) who does not meet his expectations. He also finds disfavor with other Afghan staff, a translator and two messangers. He finds Ella..Read More

February 2 1950

Gul Ghilzai Returns Home For The Evening

Follow Gul home after he is berated by Astill. See his home, meet his family.  Scene is entirely in Pashto with sub-titles. 

February 18 1950
Astilll Oversees Move of USIE Operations

Astilll Oversees Move of USIE Operations

Astilll begins overseeing move of entire USIE operations from two crowded rooms in the Chancery office to a new building in the Embassy compound.

April 15 1950
Public Affairs Officer Leeming Arrives in Kabul

Public Affairs Officer Leeming Arrives in Kabul

POA Leeming arrives in Kabul. Leeming assumes control of USIE operations.