An email from Afghanistan: Worry, and Hope
I’ve been in touch with a colleague (an academic and journalist) in Afghanistan about the situation there. Ironically, he first contacted me a few weeks ago seeking resource materials on peace journalism. I asked him if he'd answer a few questions, and he gladly consented. For his safety, I am not mentioning his name or city. His revealing comments are below.

Discuss the Talban takeover of your region.
The Taliban came to power in a way no one could have imagined. For example, preparations were made for a fierce battle with the Taliban, but when I woke up in the morning, all my neighbors came out and looked around and said that the police had left the area. About an hour or two later, the Taliban were informed that police and army had left the area, so they came and took power, which was a surprise to all of us. The people were happy that there was no war and the power was transferred without bloodshed and death, but otherwise the people were very sad for their future and the future of Afghanistan.

What is being said about the American withdrawal?
Unfortunately, we may lose these 20 years of achievements. People are very upset with the United States for leaving Afghanistan in a state of instability and for bringing the situation in Afghanistan to a state where no one is able to see his/her future and even can’t imagine a future. And if they bring pressure on the Taliban and they work for the prosperity of Afghanistan, it will be a unique example of good friendship between Afghanistan and the United States.

How is your city different since the Taliban took over?
People have come to work, but not in numbers. It is unknown at this time what they will do after leaving the post.  Based on that, but now there is no significant change and it is not known because they didn’t spend much time and also schools, universities are all off. I would recommend changing this to, "there hasn't been much time since the Taliban took over (my city). But the universities are closed as are the schools. So, it is not clear how much they will bring change. But over time it will become much clearer how much change will come and what that change will be.

And what about the plight of women and girls?
The revelations will also appear over time, as they have now announced that girls will be able to continue their education. But the girls are very fearful (not delusional). And do not want to even leave the house.  For example, my sister in law who used to be the principal of a school now says that she will no longer serve as principal and she will not leave her home. There are thousands of girls who have worked hard for the last 20 years, but now with the advent of the Taliban, they do not have the courage to go outside or the courage to work or study outside the home.

Do you have hope for the future of Afghanistan?
If we look back at their previous control of Afghanistan, and if they employ the same policies as before, we will lose hope and the gains we have made in the past 20 years will be lost. It will be as if we've lost 50 years, half a century of progress. But if over the past 20 years, the Taliban has changed, has learned that peace and not war is the solution for all, then that would be a happy moment and would lead to a better future. But now we can only guess as to their intentions. A few days from now we will have a better idea as to their approach. We can only hope for the best.