5 years after the U.S. left, Afghan allies reflect on life under Taliban rule

Key Points:

• Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, former Afghan National Army soldiers like Rasool live in fear and isolation, with many comrades disappearing despite promised amnesty.
• Zahra, a former U.S. government employee, was separated from two of her children during the chaotic 2021 evacuation; her remaining children remain trapped in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, facing severe restrictions and psychological trauma.
• Zahra's family in the U.S. struggles with ongoing health crises and repeated failed attempts to reunite with her children due to bureaucratic obstacles, causing deep personal anguish and regret over trusting evacuation promises.
• Security threats persist in Afghanistan, with ISIS attacks and resistance groups challenging Taliban control, while former government workers like Mohammed face ongoing intimidation and danger from Taliban forces, including the release of their persecutors.
• Many Afghans who supported the U.S. effort feel abandoned and hopeless as they face persecution under Taliban rule and obstacles to resettlement, highlighting the complex human cost of the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover.