The Stream

Afghanistan: What’s next for those who stayed?

On Wednesday, September 1 at 19:30GMT:
The Taliban are celebrating after the departure of the last US troops in Afghanistan after 20 years of occupation but what comes next is unclear.

Over the last two weeks, all eyes had been on Kabul airport as the US and NATO countries worked to evacuate their personnel and Afghan allies before a deadline of August 31. But with the world’s media focused on the evacuation, what has been happening elsewhere in the country as Afghans adjust to life under the Taliban?

For some, the Taliban represent a welcome change from the government of former president Ashraf Ghani, widely reported to have been rife with corruption. Others are fearful about what their rule could mean for personal freedoms, particularly those of women and girls.

The new government of Afghanistan has a host of immediate issues to address, including food and economic insecurity. Afghans are struggling to withdraw money from banks while others are in desperate need of food and shelter. The United Nations has estimated that millions of people are at risk of severe malnutrition.

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to those still in Afghanistan about their hopes for the future.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Ali Latifi, @alibomaye
Freelance Journalist

Nadima
Creator, TeshaDeWaday.com

Charlotte Bellis,  @CharlotteBellis
Correspondent, Al Jazeera English