The Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, which sits atop a hillside overlooking the city, serves as a silent witness to the dramatic transformations Afghanistan has undergone over the last fifty years. British journalist Lyse Doucet describes the hotel not merely as a luxurious concrete and glass structure, but as a reflection of the hopes and subsequent disillusionments of an entire nation. Her new book, "The Best Hotel in Kabul: A History of Afghanistan Through the Eyes of Its People," chooses this hotel as a humanitarian portal to tell the country's modern history, moving beyond military data and political maps to connect with the lives of ordinary people.

Opened on September 9, 1969, during the height of a modernization project led by the late King Muhammad Zahir Shah and financed by a £2.5 million loan from the British government, the Intercontinental was part of a global hotel network named 'Intercontinental.' According to Afghan contemporary history researcher Dr. Ahmad Faheem, the hotel was as much a political statement as it was an ambitious modernization initiative. It stood as a symbol of the country's aspirations for development and prosperity at a time when the region was experiencing significant changes.

As the years progressed, the Intercontinental Hotel became more than just a place for travelers; it transformed into a microcosm of Afghan society, reflecting the highs and lows of the nation’s journey. Doucet’s narrative highlights the intertwining of personal stories and national events, illustrating how a single establishment can encapsulate a broader historical context. This perspective invites readers to consider the emotional landscape of Afghanistan, presenting a rich tapestry of experiences that define the Afghan identity during complex and often tumultuous times.