In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar hosts Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Afghanistan’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs. From his early dream of becoming an architect to navigating the highest corridors of diplomacy, Ambassador Saikal shares personal reflections and political insights that cut through the noise. The conversation spans the meaning of soft power in a post-conflict state, the Afghan diaspora’s fragmented efforts, the enablers of effective diplomacy, and the painful lessons of missed opportunities during the Republic era. Saikal underscores the need for strategic resistance, internal legitimacy, and a sober review of the past 20 years to avoid repeating old mistakes. Through calm conviction, he reminds us that Afghanistan’s future must be built through resistance and a commitment to governance, unity, and people-centred strategy.