Afganisztán – Utazás háborúból a terrorba (teljes film)

Summary

In an audacious journey through Afghanistan post-Western withdrawal, a reporter navigates the precarious landscape now dominated by the Taliban. Starting with a tense border crossing from Pakistan, the narrative unfolds through encounters with Taliban leaders, checkpoints, and ordinary Afghans, revealing a complex picture of life under the new regime. From the perspective of safety and Islamic law to the chilling realities of public punishments and the oppression of women, the story captures the dichotomy of peace and terror. The journey, filled with moments of fear, cultural insight, and unexpected hospitality, ends with a reflection on the resilience of the Afghan spirit amid rising humanitarian needs and a looming famine.

Takeaways

• ✈️ After 20 years of war, Western troops rapidly withdrew from Afghanistan, leading to the Taliban's swift takeover.
• 🚶‍♂️ The narrator entered Afghanistan through Pakistan, encountering immediate detention by the Taliban but also noting the harsh realities and occasional hospitality.
• 🕌 The Taliban claim satisfaction with their governance, citing the end of corruption and the establishment of their version of Islamic law, despite its severe punishments.
• 🏞️ Despite the conflict, Afghanistan's landscape and the quiet life in its villages convey a misleading sense of peace.
• 🏠 The fortified homes and absence of women in public spaces highlight the pervasive security concerns and strict social norms under the Taliban.
• 🚫 The economic collapse and restrictions on music and freedom of movement depict a society grappling with the Taliban's strict rules.
• 💼 The Taliban's control has severely impacted women's rights and economic activities, with widespread fear and oppression.
• 🛑 Checkpoints and encounters with the Taliban highlight the challenges of navigating Afghanistan and the omnipresence of armed guards.
• 🎨 Cultural suppression and a rejection of previous legal standards show the Taliban's harsh governance and interpretation of Islamic law.
• 📈 Amidst criticism and potential resistance, the narrator reflects on the resilience of the Afghan people and the uncertain future under Taliban rule.

Q & A

What were the immediate consequences of the withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan?

The withdrawal of Western troops led to Afghanistan being promptly occupied by the extremist Islamist group, the Taliban.

How did the journalist enter Afghanistan given the challenging circumstances?

With air traffic stopped and embassies closed, the journalist entered Afghanistan from Pakistan, through the mountains.

What was the journalist's first encounter upon crossing the border into Afghanistan?

Upon crossing the border, the journalist and his interpreter were immediately approached by an armed guard and soon found themselves locked up at a Taliban guardpost.

What led to the Taliban's acceptance and control over Afghanistan according to the narrative?

The Taliban's control was facilitated by the excesses and corruption of the previous government, leading to minimal resistance from the Afghan people.

What does the Taliban leader claim has changed under Taliban rule?

The Taliban leader claims that under their rule, theft and murder are prosecuted, leading to a safer environment, in contrast to the corruption and lack of accountability in the previous government.

What stark difference in judicial practices did the journalist highlight about the Taliban's system?

The journalist highlighted that the Taliban's judicial system involves harsh punishments such as stoning, cutting off of hands, and public executions.

How did the journey through Nangarhar province challenge the journalist's perceptions?

The peaceful mood in the Taliban's long-time headquarters of Nangarhar province and the fortified living conditions challenged the journalist's perceptions, suggesting a complex social atmosphere.

What cultural and social practices did the journalist observe during his stay with a Taliban leader?

The journalist observed gender segregation and strict dining etiquette, like the requirement to eat with the right hand, and noted the absence of women in public gatherings.

How do the Taliban view those who fled Afghanistan, according to the narrative?

According to the narrative, the Taliban consider those who fled as unable to live according to their strict religious system, dismissing the idea that they fled out of fear.

What are the implications of the Taliban's control on women and the economy, based on the journalist's observations?

The Taliban's control has led to severe restrictions on women's freedoms and participation in society, and has significantly impacted the economy, with businesses suffering and people struggling to access their money.

Outlines

00:00

🛂 A Perilous Entry

The script begins with the narrator's risky journey into Afghanistan from Pakistan shortly after the Western troops' withdrawal, leading to the Taliban's swift takeover. Despite the lack of information and halted air traffic, the narrator and an interpreter manage to cross the border, only to be detained immediately by the Taliban at a guardpost. Highlighting the uncertainty and potential danger of their situation, they are taken by a local Taliban leader to his village, under the guise of hospitality. This segment vividly illustrates the initial apprehension and subsequent, surprising encounters with local Taliban members, who express satisfaction with their rule compared to the corruption of the previous government.

05:03

🍽 Cultural Insights and Conversations

In the second paragraph, the focus shifts to the cultural aspects and the personal stories within the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The narrator breaches local dining etiquette, sparking interactions that reveal no women are visible in public spaces, including during meals served by men. A significant conversation with a Taliban member unveils personal grievances against the Americans, pride in their victory, and a strict adherence to religious laws. This section sheds light on the everyday life and sentiments of the Taliban, as well as the stark cultural norms and regulations governing the society.

10:06

🚧 Journey Through Afghanistan

As the journey continues towards Kabul, the narrator encounters various facets of life under Taliban rule, from traffic congestion in mountainous terrain to the plight of former government employees. The prohibition of music and the visible presence of Taliban forces underscore the strict regulations imposed. Kabul presents a mix of vibrancy and militarization, with an economy in decline and a banking system in chaos, affecting both men and women differently due to discriminatory practices. This segment offers a glimpse into the complex and challenging realities faced by Afghans, including economic hardships and restrictions on personal freedoms.

15:09

🚫 Struggles and Silences

The fourth paragraph delves deeper into the Taliban's oppressive measures, especially against women and the arts. Interviews reveal the fear and limitations faced by women, prohibiting them from working or even going out without a male guardian. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law leads to harsh punishments and a dismissal of legal rights, contrasting with a local lawyer's clarification that such practices do not align with Sharia. The suppression extends to the media and cultural expressions, illustrating the broad scope of control exerted by the Taliban over public and private life.

20:12

🛫 Departure and Reflection

The final paragraph captures the narrator's departure from Afghanistan, highlighting the dire situation left behind. A candid conversation with a cab driver reflects the populace's discontent and skepticism towards the Taliban's governance. Despite the visible control and armed might of the Taliban, there's a hint of potential resistance among the people. The journey concludes with the narrator's safe return, but leaves an ominous note on the escalating humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans in dire need of aid, illustrating the profound challenges facing the country post-Taliban takeover.

Keywords

💡Taliban

The Taliban is an Islamist militant group that has had a significant presence in Afghanistan for decades. In the context of the video, the Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Western troops is a central theme. The narrative explores the consequences of this takeover, including changes in governance, law enforcement, and social norms. The Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law and its impact on the population, especially on women and former government employees, are highlighted. Examples from the script include the Taliban's enforcement of strict laws, public punishments, and the overall atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the Afghan people.

💡Afghanistan

Afghanistan is presented as a conflict-ridden country with a long history of foreign invasions and internal strife. The video script focuses on the recent history of Afghanistan, especially the period following the withdrawal of Western forces and the subsequent Taliban takeover. It paints a picture of a nation grappling with political instability, economic hardship, and cultural suppression under the Taliban regime. The script touches on various aspects of Afghan life, from the landscape and fortified homes to the economic and social challenges faced by its people.

💡Islamic law

Islamic law, or Sharia, is a legal framework derived from the Quran and Hadiths, used to govern aspects of daily life for Muslims. In the video, the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law is shown to influence their governance and judicial practices, including harsh punishments for crimes. The script mentions specific examples such as stoning, hand cutting, and public executions, emphasizing the disparity between the Taliban's practices and more widely accepted interpretations of Islamic law. This highlights the controversial aspects of the Taliban's rule and its impact on Afghan society.

💡Conflict zone

The term 'conflict zone' refers to an area experiencing warfare, armed conflict, or significant violence. Afghanistan is described as one of the world's hottest conflict zones, with decades of war culminating in the recent Taliban takeover. The script provides insights into the daily realities and challenges of living in such an environment, including the risk of kidnapping, the presence of armed guards, and the general atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty that permeates the country.

💡Cultural suppression

Cultural suppression in the video refers to the Taliban's efforts to enforce their interpretation of Islamic law by restricting various forms of cultural expression and social practices. This includes the ban on music, the closing of businesses displaying women's images, and the imposition of strict dress codes for women. The script captures the impact of these policies on the daily lives of Afghans, illustrating how cultural suppression affects everything from personal freedom to the economy.

💡Women's rights

Women's rights are a significant focus of the video, highlighting the regression in freedoms and opportunities for Afghan women under the Taliban. The script details the prohibition of women working, the closing of schools for girls, and the mandatory wearing of the hijab. Interviews and personal stories from Afghan women underscore the fear and restrictions they face, contrasting the Taliban's public statements with the harsh realities on the ground.

💡Economic collapse

The economic collapse of Afghanistan is depicted through the struggles of ordinary people and businesses in the aftermath of the Taliban's takeover. The script mentions the banking system's failure, the scarcity of cash, and the downturn in business activities due to a lack of foreign investment and the departure of skilled workers. This term relates to the broader theme of hardship faced by Afghans, highlighting the challenges of daily survival in a deteriorating economy.

💡Foreign withdrawal

Foreign withdrawal refers to the departure of Western troops from Afghanistan, which preceded the Taliban's swift return to power. This event is a turning point in the video, setting the stage for the subsequent changes in Afghan society. The withdrawal is depicted as hasty and unexpected, leaving a power vacuum that facilitated the Taliban's takeover and the ensuing social, economic, and legal transformations.

💡Humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is outlined through the script's references to famine, the need for humanitarian aid, and the overall decline in living conditions for the Afghan people. The crisis is exacerbated by the Taliban's governance and international isolation, leading to widespread poverty, food shortages, and a lack of basic services. The script uses this theme to underscore the severity of Afghanistan's situation and the urgent need for international assistance.

💡Public punishment

Public punishment under the Taliban is used as a tool for enforcing their strict interpretation of Islamic law, with methods including stoning, hand cutting, and public executions. The video script discusses these practices as emblematic of the Taliban's brutal justice system, contrasting it with the previous government's corruption but also highlighting the harsh and often inhumane nature of their rule. This concept serves to illustrate the drastic changes in legal and social norms under the Taliban.

Highlights

Western troops left Afghanistan after 20 years, leading to Taliban occupation.

Entry into Afghanistan was attempted through the mountains from Pakistan.

Upon crossing the border, the narrator and their interpreter were detained by the Taliban.

A local Taliban leader personally facilitated their release from the guardpost.

Despite initial fears, the narrator experiences hospitality from the Taliban, including sharing a local energy drink.

A Taliban leader expressed satisfaction with their rule, citing reduced corruption and adherence to Islamic law.

Journey through Nangarhar province reveals a peaceful mood despite Taliban's long-time presence.

Narrator witnesses the fortified living conditions in Afghan villages, indicating a history of conflict.

Taliban's harsh judicial system includes stoning, hand cutting, and public executions.

Traveling towards Kabul, the narrator encounters various Taliban checkpoints and insights into their governance.

Kabul presents a stark contrast of bustling city life and visible Taliban control.

Economic struggles are evident as people face difficulties with banking and business operations under Taliban rule.

Cultural and societal shifts under Taliban, including restrictions on music and women's freedoms.

Interviews reveal the dire situation of women, who face severe restrictions and fear for their futures.

Critique of the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia law by a local lawyer, emphasizing public punishment and lack of legal defense rights.

The account ends with a difficult departure from Afghanistan, amidst growing instability and humanitarian crises.

Transcripts

Afghanistan is one of the world's hottest conflict zones.

After 20 years of war, Western troops left the country with unexpected speed

and it was promptly occupied by the extremist Islamist Taliban.

Not long after the last American soldier had left Afghanistan,

I arrived at the border.

I had no information about what to expect, since all the embassies had closed down,

and almost all foreigners had fled.

Since air traffic had also stopped, I attempted my entry from Pakistan, through the mountains.

I managed to cross the border, shook hands with my interpreter,

whom I had only met through email. We were immediately approached by an armed guard,

and soon found ourselves locked up at a Taliban guardpost.

In this secretly filmed shot, my interpreter is on the right

and the teenager in the camouflage outfit is the one walking us to the guardpost.

He's got my confiscated passport in one hand, and an AK-47 in the other.

It was very clear that we should follow him.

Afghanistan: A journey from war to terror

My interpreter and I spent 6 hours locked up at this border guardpost.

In the end, a local Taliban leader came to pick us up personally.

Who are these guys?

Are they Taliban?

Yes, they are Taliban.

In reality, I had no idea whose car my interpreter and I had gotten into.

The man told us that we are going to his village.

While on the road, I thought to myself:

if there is an easy way to kidnap someone, this must be it.

I only started to relax when, we stopped at a street vendor's stand.

- I just got this...what is this? - It's an Afghan energy drink.

- Is it good? - Yeah, it's strong.

Strong like the Taliban!

I assumed they wouldn't fill someone up with taurine before kidnapping them.

The mood had loosened up enough for me to ask the Islamist leader

if he thinks Afghanistan is better off with the Taliban.

The problem before was that there were too many parties, and they were all stealing.

They were not living their lives according to Islamic law.

They would rob people right under the nose of the police, but we are satisfied with how things are now.

The previous government was corrupt.

The government itself was stealing from us.

A commander could take anything from anyone, he could kill anybody,

and he wouldn't be held accountable.

If someone was charged with theft and arrested,

you could bribe the cop, and the thief walked free the next morning.

In the current system, if you steal, the Taliban will prosecute you,

if you murder someone, the same thing will happen.

Now that the Islamic Emirate is here, everyone is safe.

The excesses and the gross corruption of the fugitive government are not disputed in the West.

This was one of the reasons why the Afghans did not really put up a fight against the Taliban.

What the Taliban leader did not say is that their fair judicial system is based on stoning,

the cutting off of hands, and public executions.

Meanwile, we got off the main road, and headed for the desert...

with three complete strangers.

I was soon distracted by the landscape and the quaint villages hidden in the hills.

It says a lot about the atmosphere of the area that people live behind these stone walls.

The whole area is filled with similar 2-3-metre high stone or brick walls

and the gardens and houses are behind these walls.

One could say these are fortified homes.

Our road lead through the small towns of Nangarhar province.

Although the province had been the headquarters of the Taliban for decades,

the mood was rather peaceful.

At this time nobody suspected that the country would soon face a severy food shortage.

Only the white Taliban flag waving in the main square gave a hint of who is in control of the town.

The Taliban leader said he would show us his village,

and since it was getting late, we would spend the night there.

So I soon discovered what a fortified house looks like on the inside.

As an unexpected turn after our stay at the holding cell,

I am now being hosted by the Taliban.

I received some dessert, they are roasting corn,

and told me that in Afghanistan, guests are sacred,

and that they would give their lives to ensure my safety.

After the reception, we went to our host's fortified house

where the village leaders had gathered for dinner.

Being left-handed, I immediately breached the etiquette.

Oh, we must eat with our right hand!

Sorry!

This was my first mistake.

Towards the end of dinner, I noticed another cultural feature:

there were no women anywhere in sight.

Even the food was served by men.

As we sat sipping tea at the end of dinner, I thought the time had come to talk.

I turned to the man who had joined the Taliban 24 years ago.

I was not a fighter, I never joined a militia.

I worked in the regional office under the first Taliban government, until 2001.

But the Americans treated everyone as a terrorist,

even I was considered one.

Because of this, they even put me in prison for 2 and a half years.

Was he surprised, that the Taliban could take over the country so quickly?

Allah defeated the Americans because of their pride.

The Americans never showed any mercy towards us,

they weren't even nice to their own allies.

They were disloyal even to their allies.

We have seen pictures of people rushing to the airport.

What should we think of these who tried to escape?

Those who fled cannot live according to our religious system.

But those who stayed, want to live according to Islamic law.

So he doesn't think they fled because they were afraid they would be harmed?

Impossible. That's not what happened.

We declared amnesty.

With us, everyone can live in peace.

But you must know one thing:

In Afghanistan there are certain rules that everyone must live by.

In the morning, my interpeter and I set out for Kabul without any problems.

However, we didn't get too far. We were stopped at the very first Taliban checkpoint,

where unfriendly guards started examining our papers.

After a half-hour softening not only did they offer us tea,

but the commander was even open to answering some of my questions.

I am Ruhullah. I am in charge of overseeing the road between Kabul és Dzsalálábád.

The American base was right over here, that's where they shot at us from.

We would hide in the mountains, and attack the Americans from there,

and now, thanks to Allah, they are gone.

Why did the Americans fail here?

Why were they defeated?

We defeated them with the help of Allah.

(From the background): We used many suicide bombers.

They lost because of tyranny. The people of Afghanistan do not put up with tyranny.

But they were not the first to be defeated here throughout history.

Before the Americans, the Russians and the English were also defeated here.

When the fight against the Americans started, we barely had any weapons.

I fought them with a single AK-47.

Right now we have so many weapons,

that we can strike back if someone just looks at us the wrong way.

Are these all American weapons?

Everything you see here, we took from the Americans.

As soon as we started talking about the plundered weapons, everyone got excited.

They gathered 'round me, and were proudly showing what they had picked from the arsenal left behind.

But they were also showing me their battle wounds.

This is also American!

And this one, we plundered from the Russians a long time ago.

The sons inherited war from their fathers. Now our sons have the enemy's weapons.

This boy was born during the war.

And now he fights alongside his father.

Aren't you worried that your son is also a soldier?

We are trusting Allah, it was Allah who also gave me my son.

We all belong to Allah, and are not afraid of making a sacrifice for him.

I specialise in mines, and I have taught my son about them too.

I am an engineer, and my son is one as well.

I taught my son everything: how mines work, how to blow one up.

We are going to fight in Panjshir valley.

We have occupied Panjshir, so we are heading there to replace our fellow soldiers!

As the Taliban headed to the front, we continued our journey towards the capital.

As we travelled between the mountain ranges, I understood

why all foreign militaries were doomed to fail in Afghanistan.

The road lead between steep cliffs and narrow gorges.

Even the sparse traffic got congested.

You can only move slowly through the mountains.

It was at a rest stop that we came across the first sign that the Taliban

were not great for everyone: these cops.

They are employees of the previous government. They are complaining about their salaries.

They didn't receive them for the past two months.

There was a slight commotion in the car when we spotted the Taliban on the side of the road,

and the driver and the fixer both tried to turn off the music at the same time,

without success...

Because music is forbidden: if the Taliban catch you listening to music,

they impose various punishments, which is why

travelling is a big deal for people here.

Kabul is a mixture of a bustling eastern metropolis and a war zone.

On one side of the road there are shops, and on the other side there are concrete barriers, barbed wire, and firing positions,

there are weapons and Taliban, armored vehicles and car-mounted machine guns everywhere.

This is the headquarters of the Taliban behind me...

As we are walking around, armed Taliban are everywhere. As they walk past us,

they glare at the camera, so for now it does not seem safe to film them.

At an opportune moment I will try to show, that this street is

actually not as peaceful as it might seem from this narrow view.

This is what a routine check looks like, we go through at least one of these every half hour...

A man with a rifle, not wearing a uniform approaches,

he might be wearing some home-made camo outfit, and a machine gun,

he asks for our papers, argues a bit, and sooner or later leaves.

I arrived to the centre of Kabul, where my interpreter, Nazir is my guide.

Nazir, I am a bit surprised here, because there are a lot of beutiful shops,

but there are no customers. Why is this?

The main reason behind this is first: the economy has collapsed,

and people can't afford to come here.

And two, the majority of foreigners left the country.

Business isn't going well,

the situation has gotten worse since the Taliban took over.

I used to have a revenue of 6000 Afghanis,

but now, I make 1500 on a good day.

The businessmen have fled the country,

because they feared that the Taliban would kill them.

But I don't think they should be afraid. They could come back and invest again.

If the world officially recognized the Taliban, the economic situation might improve.

That's our hope.

We are in the centre of Kabul at one of the banks,

and what you see behind me is not a demonstration,

but just people trying to get their money.

There is a lack of cash in the country, so one almost

has to fight hand to hand to get their savings.

I submitted my card at 4 am on Monday to pull out some money.

I have been waiting for 3 days now.

The banking system collapsed

and the Taliban are only allowing a withdrawal of 200 dollars, or 10 000 Afghanis at one time.

We are here in front of the bank all day long.

The situation has been like this since the Taliban took over.

The problem is, that they crippled the economy, and took our money abroad.

It's become impossible to get cash in the countryside,

so people from there have also been coming to Kabul.

The situation is also interesting from a cultural perspective:

the men are waiting at this gate, and the women at the other one.

The separate entrances are only one sign of the discriminiation against women:

all across town, the Taliban have painted over the business logos showing women.

In this area we had some restaurants where young men and women could meet

to drink coffee, tea. But now this opportunity is lost.

They are deprived of this freedom.

Here is a closed restaurant, actually.

Young ladies are not allowed to walk alone.

Because the Taliban will ask them,

why they are walking here,

who is the guy you are meeting,

why did you come here - such questions will be asked.

Knowing this made it especially surprising to see these two girls,

who were out and only wore a colourful headscarf instead of the mandatory clothing covering the whole body,

and even their hair was visible.

She graduated from college, but due to the Taliban's strict rules, was unable to start working.

Aren't you afraid to walk freely in the street without a man?

Yes, we are, but still, we have this courage to go.

The Taliban were quite strict with women until 2001, during their previous rule.

But do the Afhan people believe that it will be different this time?

They are showing one face to the media, they are saying "we will allow women to do work, to go to their jobs"

but they are doing another thing actually, in reality.

Now we are here in front of the Ministry for Women's Affairs, but it is closed now,

women don't have the right to work anymore.

Most women were not this bold, so we had to arrange hidden locations for the interviews

if I wanted to find out more about the current situation of women.

I am so scared, that I avoid going outside at all cost.

I brought my child to the interview so that if I am stopped, I could say

that we are going to the doctor.

I covered my face, and walked behind the bushes to get here.

Today is my first time in the streets since the Taliban takeover.

- Why did you come out? - Just to give an interview.

I would have lied, if they had stopped me.

I would have said that I was going to hospital because I am sick.

We are forced to lie.

They won't allow me to work.

But I see that my children's future is also in danger.

My daughters used to go to school.

But now, they are at home as the schools are also closed,

they are locked away from learning, from cultural life, from education.

In this situation, I have no plan for the future at all.

The Taliban don't respect us, they won't even talk to us.

They don't even want us to be alive.

Their wives are maybe happy, the Taliban wives

but except them, no women like this.

Men also don't like this, because there are many restrictions also for them.

This regime is not only dangerous for the economy and for women.

I worked at the Rana TV network.

My job was announcing.

When the Taliban took over the city, they sent a letter to our offices,

telling us to suspend the broadcast.

This channel mostly showed entertainment programmes and music,

They promised, that we would soon be able to continue the broadcast with religious programmes.

A bit later, the Taliban came to the studio,

to check our work.

They were all armed when they came in.

We felt under pressure, and we decided it is better if we stop the work.

But the Taliban even consider the arts dangerous.

I once saw two cab drivers who got in a fight, so I started filming them with my phone.

A few armed Taliban approached me and asked why I am recording this.

They took my phone, so they saw these photos.

I told them that I am a sculptor and carpenter, that I had made these.

They said: "You are no carpenter, you are making idols."

They beat me up right there, in the street, and broke my phone.

They told me that next time, they will proceed according to the law of the Islamic Emirate.

Although the Taliban cite Islamic law as their reason for the brutal opression,

a local lawyer says that this is not Sharia law.

By now, the Taliban have abolished the previous legal system

and they have introduced public punishment based on their laws:

if someone is convicted of theft, their hand is cut off

or their face is painted in black and they are paraded across town.

The Taliban don't believe that in court, the accused has the right of defence.

This is not Sharia, but a faulty interpretation of Islam.

Islamic law does not include punishments such as

the cutting off of hands or painting someone's face with coal,

or the public shaming of the accused.

Islam does not teach this, this is a law of the Taliban,

and it is not desribed in any book.

My trip was coming to an end, I had to start my journey home.

Since there was no air traffic to and from Afghanistan,

I had to reach neighbouring Pakistan.

Surprisingly enough, I heard the harshest criticism of the system in a cab.

If the situation doesn't improve, if people run out of money,

then this government will collapse quickly.

But how can they get rid of the government if it has so many weapons?

People will get together and resist.

There will be protests and resistance.

It has happened before that people got together and fought the government.

The Afghan people have it in them.

I doubted the cab driver's words.

Although throughout history, the Afghans have stood up against their government before,

the fight has never been as unequal as it would be now.

It's enough to think back to the Taliban gun-show.

Death to the slaves of America!

I only had one task left:

to get out of Afghanistan.

After an intense, 40-minute struggle with Afghan border guards,

some armed Taliban guards, and the Pakistani border control,

- they wanted to send me back to Kabul,

to bring some paper from the Pakistani embassy that says I am allowed to enter the country,

on top of the visa - which was never mentioned before...

Now they have sent me into some corridor...

It feels like a walk to uncertainty.

There was one more round, when they asked for my passport again,

and said that they can't let me across without this paper...

But then I said: "I am here, and I am not leaving

my plane leaves tonight, so I have to get across."

In the end, I got my stamp and was thus allowed into this amazing area,

which is right behind me.

Bare hills,

trucks, and my driver is right here with me,

he will take me to Islamabad.

I arrived home safely, but for the Afghan people, things have gotten worse.

The temporary calm was ended by terror attacks.

Due to the incompetence of the Taliban leadership, the country is facing famine.

According to the UN's January report, 24 million Afghans are in need of immediate humanitarian help.