Weeks before the fall of Kabul, we filmed ‘In the Heart of the Taliban’ showing how the fundamentalist movement was preparing for power. Now, we return to the city to find the people we previously interviewed and see how they are faring under the Islamic Emirates.
Afghanistan is in the midst of an economic crisis, with many citizens resorting to selling their goods in the capital’s flea markets to survive. After twenty years of fighting, Commander Zaquer has become one of Kabul’s police chiefs. He delights in riding the bumper cars in the city’s amusement park, however, at the same time, Lawmaker Allah Gul Mujahid is arrested and humiliated by the Taliban in front of our cameras. Meanwhile, inside Kabul’s prison, supporters of the previous government await trial and possible execution.
Women have become second-class citizens yet again in the country, and Arifa, a young high school student, is now confined to her home because the Taliban have banned school for girls over 12 years old. To try to defend their rights, some protest in the street, but they are immediately met with automatic weapons, fire and whippings.
Kabul, now under Taliban control, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The population of four million people face terrorist attacks, Taliban oppression, and hunger.
More infoA few weeks ago, when the Taliban were in the middle of planning their final offensive, we were the last journalist to meet them. We gained access to the towns and villages they administered. It’s likely that what we witnessed and filmed is just a prelude to what will come to be imposed on all the country.
More infoThe speed at which the Taliban have retaken Afghanistan has taken everyone by surprise. How could it happen? What went wrong with ‘the good war’? And what comes next?
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