The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan again after President Joe Biden withdrew troops out of the country. Afghans who fear for their future have tried to flee the country in multiple ways, including racing to airports and climbing on planes. Many people, fearing for the safety of their children, have handed their babies to U.S. troops.
For 20 years, a number of Afghan civilians have worked alongside American troops and now they fear for their lives and their family’s lives since their aid to the American troops makes them targets to the Taliban. Many Afghans also fear that the Taliban will reinstate a harsh interpretation of Islamic law. The Taliban depended on these extreme interpretations when they ran Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Women in particular face an uncertain look into their future. There are fears under the Taliban rule on how women will work, dress, and go freely in public. People also fear that Afghanistan will once again become a training ground for terrorism.
On top of the fear of what’s to come in the future, the present isn’t holding much promise. A number of airplanes that are ready to take American citizens and green card holders out of the country are being denied access to leave from the Taliban. There are still many American citizens in Afghanistan with no way to get home. Many students and U.S. citizens, including Afghans who have worked as interpreters for U.S. journalists and military personnel have been left behind, and their future is uncertain. The Taliban may retaliate against them. People everywhere are at unease.
Many countries, including the United States, Pakistan, Germany, and the United Kingdom, are taking in refugees from Afghanistan. The U.S. is expecting thousands of refugees to arrive and there are multiple ways that you can help. The IRC is taking donations online and searching for volunteers to help refugees find apartments. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service are seeking out volunteers to help refugees with airport transportation, meals, and housing. Humans Rights First is accepting donations to help refugees leave Afghanistan safely and protect their identities against the Taliban. There are many resources online to educate yourself on this situation and donate. Help in any way you can!