The Escape from Kabul

The extraordinary story of the Afghan women judges who fought for their careers and their lives, and the international network of women who helped them to escape the Taliban

Combining moment-by-moment drama with an emotional story of friendship and bravery, The Escape from Kabul is also a searing insight into the captive fate of women in Afghanistan.

The fact that so many were betrayed by the speed and disorganisation of British and American retreat on the fall of Kabul is well known. What is less well known is that a collection of women judges from around the world operated a successful rescue mission for the majority of female Afghan judges, and their families.

In the twenty years since 2001, Afghan women had obtained legal degrees, became judges and set out to transform their country - tackling corruption, and reducing horrifying levels of violence against women and children. These educated women of power were clear targets for the Taliban. But their friends – and sister judges – from the UK, Poland, USA and ANZ were not prepared to abandon them, using WhatsApp and sheer bloody-minded persistence, they found escape routes and new homes for family after family.

This is a heart stopping story of rescue; but also a moving account of ambition, public service and the difficulties of having to build a new life abroad. Veteran, best-selling journalist Karen Bartlett's compelling account also celebrates the capabilities and global power of united, working women and of the bond of a career spent in service to justice. Individuals who are often the last and only check to unbridled power, influence and violence.