Ahmad Shah Mohibi – Founder, Rise to Peace: Empowering Communities, Countering Terrorism, and Fostering Entrepreneurship.
Ahmad Shah Mohibi’s personal journey from war-torn Afghanistan to founding Rise to Peace stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to empowering communities, countering terrorism, and fostering entrepreneurship.
Born in Afghanistan during the Soviet Withdrawal, Shah experienced the devastating civil war that followed. Faced with the constant dangers of landmines and the oppressive rule of the Taliban, he was forced to flee with his family, constantly relocating to evade control and seek safety. These early experiences instilled in him a deep understanding of the impact of conflict and a profound desire to create a safer world.
Motivated by the life-altering events of 9/11, Shah made a courageous decision at the age of 16 to join the U.S. armed forces as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Leaving behind his family and abandoning his education, he embarked on a mission to combat terrorism firsthand. After his military service, Shah continued his dedication to serving others by joining the U.S. Department of State. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in facilitating the successful transfer of detainees from the U.S. government to the Afghan government, contributing to the nation’s efforts in countering extremism.
Inspired by his extensive experiences and expertise in the field, Shah founded Rise to Peace in 2016. This distinguished non-profit organization focuses on preventing global terrorism and extremism by recruiting talented individuals from around the world and empowering them to make informed decisions in countering terrorism. Through meticulous research, impactful advocacy, and community engagement initiatives, Rise to Peace advances the understanding of radicalization factors and actively contributes to the formulation of effective counterterrorism strategies.
Shah’s influence extends beyond the realms of defense and diplomacy. He is recognized as an accomplished author, media personality, and respected news commentator. Through his insightful analyses and commentary in renowned media outlets such as The Washington Post, CNN, CBS News, MSNBC, FOX News, and Aljazeera, Shah sheds light on pressing issues of global security and extremism. His innovative solutions and contributions to critical conversations on countering terrorism have earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the field.
During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Shah’s unwavering dedication and advocacy efforts proved instrumental in ensuring the safety of hundreds of Americans and Afghans facing imminent danger from the Taliban. His tireless work resulted in the relocation of thousands of Afghan evacuees to the United States, providing them with a secure sanctuary after months of uncertainty.
Ahmad Shah Mohibi’s visionary leadership and deep-rooted commitment to empowering communities, countering terrorism, and fostering entrepreneurship have solidified Rise to Peace as a leading organization in its field. Under his guidance, Rise to Peace continues to strive for a safer world by addressing the root causes of extremism and offering innovative solutions to global security challenges.
As a highly respected authority in the field of counterterrorism, Shah conducts research and provides analyses on policy issues related to terrorism, violent extremism, international security, and peacebuilding efforts. His work serves as a valuable resource for policy practitioners, analysts, the private sector, and international and non-governmental organizations.
Ahmad Shah Mohibi’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities, countering terrorism, and fostering entrepreneurship has made Rise to Peace a leading organization in the field. Under his visionary leadership, Rise to Peace continues to strive for a safer world by addressing the root causes of extremism and offering innovative solutions to global security challenges.
Full biography
“Different does not mean wrong but instead represents countless opportunities to embrace the beauty of what is unique about people and learn to understand the many cultures around the world” – Ahmad Shah Mohibi
Publications
- Hopes For Cease-fire After The Doha Intra-Afghan Dialogue, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, July 1, 2019
- Where the Afghan Peace Process is Going?, The Geopolitics, July 12, 2019
- Peace in Afghanistan Requires Pakistan, The New Delhi Times, July 4, 2019
- “What 9/11 Means to Me,” Rise to Peace, 11 September 2018
- “Cure For A Chronic Disease,” Asian Affairs, September 2018
- “The Afghan peace talks: Feasible, or futile?,” Washington Examiner, 26 August 2018
- “Afghanistan: A Game of Thrones,” The Diplomat, 24 July 2018
- “The 40-year Afghan War and the Everlasting Hope for Peace,” Rise to Peace, 28 April 2018
- “Special Report on Child Terrorists and Violent Extremism in Afghanistan,” Rise to Peace, 25 April 2018