Peterson Conway VIII is an expert on Afghanistan, having made more than 150 trips to the region since his first visit in 1963. His knowledge of Afghanistan’s politics and culture will give you a unique insight into its past, present and future. His love of the country, its people and its rich culture, is immediately apparent as his remarkable story unfolds. Peterson has been an interpreter for heads of state, a Peace Corp veteran and a humanitarian that lead many refugee missions into Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. After witnessing 50 years of Afghan history he is able to give you an insider’s view into this once great civilization from the monarchy of King Zahir Shah (1933-1973), the Soviet occupation (1979-1989), the reign of the Taliban (1996-2001) and to the uncertain future of Afghanistan. This extraordinary story will surely fascinate all listeners.

Peterson Conway was born in 1946 in Salem, Virginia. He came west to California with his family and was raised in Carmel. He received a Master's Degree in International Relations with a minor in languages from the University of Paris in 1969 and did graduate work in Arabic, Persian and Pashtu at Kabul University, Afghanistan in 1970 and received an Honorary Scholar of Letters from Kabul University in 1978. He is certified by US State Department in French and with the Foreign Service in Arabic, Persian, and Pashtu.