Afghanistan, Aug. 15 -- On this day, four years ago, the Afghan Republic collapsed. In an instant, the foundation that had supported millions of young Afghans' dreams disintegrated. I was born in 2001, the year the international community entered Afghanistan-bringing with it a new system called democracy, and a promise called "liberation," especially for Afghan women. I grew up in a country shaped by that promise, where youth were encouraged to think big, dream boldly, and believe in change. So, I dreamed of becoming president. Not because I was naive, but because, for a time, it felt possible-even achievable. My generation was told we were the future, the changemakers of Afghanistan. But that future collapsed. Kabul fell, and with it, some...