Chaos in Afghanistan

Available for over a year

Despite terror warnings, Afghans continued to gather at Kabul’s airport, desperate to get onto a plane. What was feared, and what is sadly familiar in Afghanistan, happened: bomb blasts brought further devastation. Around 100,000 people have been flown out of the country though since the Taliban takeover. We hear stories from two women who have been at the airport and managed to get a flight. They relate the mixed feelings of saying farewell to family. Many Afghans have been left behind: two students in Kabul and Herat share their fears about being unable to continue their education at present. For one, an encounter with a member of the Taliban on the streets brought both physical and mental pain. Host Nuala McGovern also considers the potential impact on society with the Taliban in power as she connects two sportswomen, who have represented their country. They share their concerns about the future of female footballers and athletes in Afghanistan. (Photo: Afghans struggle to reach the foreign forces to show their credentials to flee the country outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, 26 August 2021. Credit: Akhter Gulfam/EPA)