Afghanistan: Caught between drug cartels and the Taliban | DW Documentary

[@ehsankhorasani_]

I live in Afghanistan and since Taliban took the government the drug production reduced to almost zero, no corruption in the government and Taliban are rebuilding the country as fast as they can. safety has improved a lot, I can guarantee you that Afghanistan is safer than most of western countries. quality of life is growing everyday. the only big problem we have right now is gril education so Taliban sort of removed women from society which is very sad, may God guide them to understand their ignorance

[@iqbalhasan3152]

I agree, bro.A teacher of English at English medium school in Dhaka,Bangladesh.

[@LavionsOregon]

I wonder if its unsafe as in Russia, its whole different level of bad.

[@akeel6328]

Based Talibros.

[@dhaqaalesameen960]

They don’t listen the truth they wanna any thing even if it’s tiny to blame taliban it’s how western media work

[@aasiyapowell875]

As salam alaikum dear Brother, Please support the ladies in being allowed regular activities (salons, selling furniture). Tashakor.

[@impiresgraveyard]

Me as an Afghan living in Afghanistan. I used to not only hate but envyed the talibans, because of what u heard about them through the previous government, America and NATOs and social media. But when i actually saw them how they are ruling the country and treating us Afghans. I can not ask for more. Infact i am ashamed with my self that how did i hate the good guys, but loved the killers,criminals, warlords, child molesters ,drugs addicts, oppressors, and corrupted government for 20 years. We Afghans are so happy thanks Allah swt ,that we do not care about what the world think or says. Because at the end of the day we live here and we are having harmony in our country and life after quite a long time. When we were in war and under nato occupation we went through hell. And no body realy cared. This documentary is the proof. Long live the islamic emaarat of Afghanistan. Emaarat ta qayaamat.❤

[@JohnHolmes-h9v]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@phoenixrising8640]

​The majority of us Afghans support our T-ali-ba-n...always have and always will. Now, our ppl who didbt support our T-ali-ba-n are seeing the truth but u can't accept it ​@@JohnHolmes-h9v

[@SafaM-ne8zm]

as an Afghan I agree. Allah de da Islami Emirate wasati and de dunya pacha ki. amin

[@mrmuhammad11]

I am very happy to hear this from you, Afghan friends. Sending love from Pakistan! 🇵🇰

[@Rick8191-tv8pg]

The graveyard of empires , Afghans throughout history have shown to give great sacrifices fighting off many once powerful empires.

[@rbrb5275]

How about US war crimes in Afghanistan

[@milesinnz]

how about asking the same about the USSR... but then you are so full of ignorance you won't know what I am talking about.... the west should leave the region to it's own genocide.. you want to explain why Pakistan is throwing Afghans out ? nah, didn't think so...

[@zoegillespie1196]

@@milesinnz Also, it goes back to Israel. Bolshevism created the USSR. If you study Iran, you'll realize that Communism was used to attack the Shah Pahlavi, The Islamic state then took over. Not sure how Communist Islam became a thing. I'm still researching, but I understand that Communism is used to destabilize countries, and i believe the ideology comes from Bolchevism.

[@mahinurrahman5745]

​@@milesinnzhow about extremist Chretien war crimes against Afghanistan???

[@JahanZaibPishin]

Who facilitate them ? The same flown people...

[@limonmahmud275]

West have no answer except Whataboutism😂😂😂

[@JavedKhan-he2pr]

Incorrect translation at 40:35 , he says that if Koka were here in front of me I wouldn’t let him go, I’d get my revenge.

[@naqibjan100]

These Hazara interpreter sould take accountable for wrong doing in last 20 years that is why Afghan people lost thire life

[@JustLion890]

Ur saying intentionally?​@@naqibjan100

[@marmalashah2235]

Helmand and Kandahar Urozgan Province is 99% Pashtun, yet they often had Dari-speaking interpreters. From my personal experience, this was a major flaw in the system. Interpreters were often sent to areas where they neither spoke the local language nor understood the culture. This led to significant communication breakdowns, with much being lost in translation. Over the past 20 years in Afghanistan, the wrong people were in charge-they never allowed the right individuals, those with experience and true understanding, to lead the nation. Anyone who tried to do the right thing was quickly shut down. The USA and NATO were aware of these issues but continued to tolerate corruption, crimes, and more. Many of the generals who stayed in the country during the 2021 withdrawal had bought their ranks and positions, and are now being welcomed with open arms in the USA and Europe. Afghanistan’s downfall was largely due to those who were in charge for the past 20 years, and we supported them-and still do. This war was nothing more than a business venture.

[@robertc3263]

@@CR-rm4iy Pakistanis largely speak Urdu, not Pashto unless they're from the tribal areas of Pakistan in the country's west, in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

[@robertc3263]

It was largely the US/NATO's tolerating of such corruption and warlords that led to the country collapsing so quickly. The Taliban just had to out-govern the Afghan state and they did that well, where they could. Especially in their court systems. If people can't even get justice or get disputes resolved, they'll support whoever says will bring justice. The police and Afghan judicial systems were the most corrupt aspects of the state, so people turned to the Taliban to dispense justice. Same way the warlords in the 90's were overtaken by Taliban. Trying to deal with warlords and thugs is like trying to build on quicksand. It's won't work. For decades, people who said they needed to be dealt with were shoved aside, because "the warlords keep the Taliban at bay, we need security before good governance." And we see now how 20 years of tolerating that lie, allowed the country to collapse. The biggest irony being some of the biggest warlords? Atta Noor, Guhl Agha Shirzai and Rashid Dostum? All fled to neighboring nations when Afghanistan fell, they didn't fight at all.

[@TropicalAntarctic]

What did you expect?! This is the US and the west policy with what they call the third world, they support dictators and corrupt politicians to serve their interests while claiming they promote democracy and human rights. It's all lies

[@justhavefun9455]

In past 20 years Pushtons were in power.

[@shahs3262]

​@@justhavefun9455 liar. Pashtuns only had perceived power. Tajiks from Panjsher had all the relevant positions of power and destroyed Afghanistan

[@ThePizzaGoblin]

They order you to win hearts and minds, but wont let you take down the guy assaulting kids. No wonder we lost

[@JoePepe-d7z]

You did fight against the guys who assault kids for almost? 2 decades, and so far no dent, no my government, not my problem

[@goldmanmartinez2678]

Have we won any war to begin with 😂😂😂😂?

[@phoenixrising8640]

The majority of us Afghans support our T-ali-ba-n, who are our own ordinary Afghans from all over Afghanistan...how could u win!

[@reaktii]

Well, they bring democracy along with its entire culture

[@impiresgraveyard]

@@goldmanmartinez2678 lmao

[@Bulletguy07]

Former interpreter for the Danish Army 21:00 who is Afghan himself said the child abuse is "not normal" and is "a warlord culture". This was a hard hitting documentary and excellent reporting from DW.

[@jonasdauerbrenner6432]

yeah it is. go outside kabul and its part of everyday life.

[@TropicalAntarctic]

​@@jonasdauerbrenner6432even in neighboring Pakistan, the pachi pazi

[@Dailymailnewz]

This is an old interview before TALIBAN came to power so it is fooling too many people...

[@WorldNewsThisWeek]

the only way western forces would have had a chance in Afghanistan is if that interpreter and people like him were in charge

[@phoenixrising8640]

​Not snymore under our T'a'lib'a'n ​@@jonasdauerbrenner6432

[@Robert-t1m3p]

Pentagón will not allow you to make some documentaries about 🇮🇱😂😂

[@walterblock5082]

Then do a documentary on tRump who betrayed Afghanistan and its people.

[@LavionsOregon]

Theres plenty of documentaries about Illinois... You just got to use your one gear brain.

[@asifiqbal2478]

Yea😂😂

[@topcatcoast2coast579]

Lol the German government wouldn't let them make a documentary about 🇮🇱. Even tho they are way worse then South Africa was under Apartheid. God forbid a German could criticize Israel, they would never leave German prison.

[@mrjacktraeger]

​@@asha-vahishtaas long as it says it's praise and prosperity, not if it's about their targeting of children and grape of prisoners

[@ismarachoudhary586]

What about the USA who bombed Hiroshima Nagasaki will illegally war in Vietnam illegally war in Iraq illegally was in Afghanistan illegally war in Palestine etc they don't show what what happening in USA and their neighbouring country like Mexico many more South America country and western countries where illegally war crimes and drugs and addictions and gangster waves where ongoing. 24:03

[@dylanroiz5469]

wtf does that have to do with afghan police men rp young afghan boys??

[@Sleepycollegestudent]

I suggest you read a little more about the pacific theatre and “the rp of Asia”. The fire-bombings of Tokyo and other Japanese cities were far more brutal than either of the Nukes. Japan was not minding its own business like Vietnam or Afghanistan.

[@brianmaitai7685]

13:06...So what's with the GEORGE MICHAEL type of "Love" in that neck of your woods?

[@moscuadelendaest]

whataboutit?

[@moscuadelendaest]

@@Sleepycollegestudent well, Afghanistan wasn't really minding its own business either. Have you folks in the US already forgotten about 9/11?

[@RitvikMehta-k2g]

"bro has guts guts have bro" first fighting them as a soldier and then returning back to the same country to interview your once enemy as an interviewer. crazyyyyyyy

[@mehmoodkhankhattak]

@@RitvikMehta-k2g he feels More safe now without Arms.

[@keyboardmouse7699]

Seems like they're safe when they go as guests without guns and evil ideologies

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

This is a interview with former part time Taliban. This Folks spended some time in the afghan army and their time off army duty being Taliban .

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@keyboardmouse7699 Seems like this former Part time Taliban in Afghan Army cloth still do what benefitt them most ; keeping their own power to fight and safe themself .

[@phoenixrising8640]

This is an old interview

[@Herafg]

The Berlin Wall fell thanks to the sacrifice of the Afghans!! The Germans must remember!!!

[@FURRY-354]

what do you mean by that

[@SnekNOTSnake]

that's the first time i heard that.

[@Herafg]

@ You know, that's the problem

[@pyrykajan1921]

One of the reasons solviet union fell a part was because of their defeat in Afganistan, although it was not the only reason. There was also sortage of food.

[@somerandomfella]

Those journalists have balls of steel. Not sure what kind of answers they were expecting though. An admission of guilt? Like oh you got me..

[@MohammadKhan-q2s]

Not sure why everyone think they will hurt the journalist in anyway

[@rad_y6315]

​@@MohammadKhan-q2s, because they are unpredictable beasts, probably high on drugs. Did you watch how he opened fire, despite being told not to shoot, because there are civilians. And he deliberately continued shooting with the machine gun. There's a good reason to be scared.

[@mohammadkhan7895]

No. Still no reason to be scared. Even if high on drug, he wouldn't harm them. This is not how it works down there. ​@@rad_y6315

[@Mossaab-kg3cj5hc5s]

​@@rad_y6315you are talking about Isrealis right ?

[@MejganZia]

No they don't.

[@user-qk1ix7sf4e]

So sex offenders, child abusers vs taliban.

[@yacinekcl]

and guess which is the USA against 😂

[@moscuadelendaest]

nope child molesters against the US and allies

[@Mrlocal2011]

We can't forget what US did in Afghanistan and how it was made worse, it is much worse and twisted than this and requires much more scrutiny.

[@AhmadkhanAhmadi-u7h]

Western countries failed to understand the complexities of Afghanistan and seemingly intentionally empowered warlords and armed factions. Instead of promoting stability, their actions exacerbated existing inequalities. For two decades, they fueled conflict among the Afghan people, leaving them vulnerable to extremist ideologies. Now, they observe from a distance, seemingly indifferent, while producing documentaries about the dire situation their interventions have contributed to.

[@phoenixrising8640]

Extremist ideology...lol 😂

[@SirJaymesDAudelée]

You can’t see the armies and the independent journalists as the same people.

[@KimKim-rj6st]

well, i bet Issa khan now must have been pickup by the Taliban, killed and his body is somewhere in the middle of the desert. most probably that is what happened. the other possibility is, he might have flee from Afghanistan, and now living in US or Europe. he for sure have to flee, as there is no way Taliban would not pick him up someday, and "disappeared" him from this earth. it is not matter of if, but it is matter of when.

[@khalidmohamed5129]

His body must stinks

[@christosdaglis1163]

Highly probable. I reckon if it's easy for the average aspiring migrant to take a boat and come to Europe, it shouldn't be too hard for Issa Khan. I'd watch my back and my family if I was the journalists.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

Folks like him did what afghan males ever did ; take every chance to get as mutch as they can from everyone who payed them . Its is the usual afghan males & family clan leaders behavior that rules afghanistan since centurys : You can find a small king behind every mountain and in every valley who only cares for himself and his clans benefitts.

[@FATIMAKHAN-jm3tw]

most likely k1lled by talibs but maybe as he surrendered they forgave him

[@Point-ks6yj]

He looks like a corrupt person will ill intent and lying about everything it is duty of every govt and judiciary to take care of such person in that way

[@kyberite]

Imagine having boat loads of guns and ammo, seeing children getting r4 ped and you do nothing "oh it could have led to a confrontation" Great WHY TF YOU JOIN THE ARMY?????

[@zhechengxu121]

Easy to say behind the safety of the computer screen but if you were inside that police compound, what would you have done? (Don't forget your bosses told you to work with these police guys, and that you are outnumbered. Even if you pull a Rambo, what would happen to you afterwards?)

[@mrjacktraeger]

I agree but honestly those troops would have gotten in trouble from there command. It happened previously where troops got in trouble for stepping in. I wonder if the the west would have been ok with it happening to little girls,I bet not

[@cormaccanavan2903]

This is a pretty arrogant point of view. Guaranteed you wouldn't have done anything also. I don't see you rescuing children in this video

[@kwondeville]

A time stamp would have helped out. He is talking about 20:04

[@kwondeville]

It was a female Danish soldier stating the confrontation statement. 20:00

[@seha337]

Just amazing reporting. 50 mins well spent

[@ajzab]

This is why dealing with any kind of drugs brings no good.

[@tinamartina1801]

💯

[@KamBar2020]

Sinaloan Cartel: Ayyy Gringo, hold our TACOs 🌮

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

.... on the other way praising their own god for the benfitts her own sinns brings .

[@SayedNazir-jj5nd]

I am from Afghanistan and I have lived my whole life in Kabul I never knew these were happening in our provinces so sad to see.

[@IhtishamAhmad-xe2pc]

Don't be over brain washed! How can non-mulsims ever make a statement in favor of Muslims. Similar events might have happened but not as dark as they're showing to the whole world. Infact, they're always countless brightest sides of Taliban they'll never tell you. Don't be sad, don't be disappointed from the mercy of Allah. Peace ✌️

[@alrightdave3893]

Whats is like living there now

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

Thats seems to bee the major problem ; the difference from city afghan population and the countryside afghan population . The city Afghans always got in touch with modern western lifestyle in opposit to the countryside afghan population. The city ones got the most benefitts from western inspired lifestyle ; the countryside folks did not . I remember Afghanistan in the late 1960-70s where the citys spread the spirit of modern times while the country sides seems to the modern times never reached them for real. Bud it seemed to me it was a very peacefull country in this decades.

[@TropicalAntarctic]

You never heard of bacha bazi in neighboring Pakistan?!

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

the 1960 1970 modernism was inspired by the soviets through the communist parties in afghanistan ​@wolfgangemmerich7552

[@marmalashah2235]

After 20 years of war, they still haven’t figured out what language is spoken in Helmand Province. I can’t believe that the interpreter needs another interpreter to speak the language. 😂

[@KamBar2020]

Sinaloan and Jalisco Cartels: Habla TACOs 🌮 y Burritos 🌯

[@TropicalAntarctic]

Maybe you mistook the other journalist as an interpreter. In the beginning he said they're two journalists from Denmark.

[@syedmuqtadirahmed3624]

The two main national languages of afghanistan are Dari(what the interviewer spoke) and pashto. Not all afghans speak both dari and pashto.

[@blinddreams4115]

Very true

[@Mu5tyLaghmani]

Afghanistan 🇦🇫 has two official languages Pashto and Dari, when documentaries are made the most of the time, the interpreter is Dari speaker going into Pashtun areas enforcing his language on Pashto speakers, so when he finds that he doesn't know Dari, then he needs another interpreter 😂😂😂

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Incredible and truthful documentary about the reality of Afghanistan 🇦🇫 from ancient times to nowadays and goings-on like that...

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for your constructive feedback! :-)

[@Toorkhan2016]

You should read about Afghanistan's history. In the 1960s, Afghanistan was a modern and developed country, but after the coup and Russian invasion, it was set back to the Stone Age. You should educate yourself before commenting.

[@Vongreimbf109]

​@@Toorkhan2016who developed them before that ?? Its Soviet Union lol

[@pintopenguins4207]

Very untrue bro don't believe this Media it makes black into white and white into black.

[@ricardo-2019-î]

​@@DWDocumentaryWhy do you care about them? They never cared about you. Afghanistan is 1919 years old. It is older than the entity of the State of Israel.

[@DonDavidTv]

This is why Afghanistan fell to the Taliban

[@naseernasrat1997]

51:14 thanks for this wonderful and truly honest documentary. Now that we know the truth about the western occupation of Afghanistan and why it failed. Please make another similar documentary about the ongoing western occupation of Palestine, and what the Israelis are doing to the civilian population there.

[@sarahmitchell4455]

No it failed because Donald Trump complied with terrorism

[@HmdJms]

Why is this documentary posted 18 years after it was made?

[@AqilO-v4w]

Anything to make afghans look bad because they can’t cope they lost and were chased out like dogs

[@Shaftalooooo]

It was banned by the USA. It was released later under different titles bits and pieces. But the full documentary especially about the north.

[@WoyeneBronze]

Wow really so it was made 18 years ago? Then this is irrelevant and useless

[@ciuviskpl4837]

@@WoyeneBronze so your history about cotton fields also irrelevant and useless?? then why u crying that everyone is racist if history is irrelevant?

[@freddie_mvp]

It’s not, it’s making references to 2021 towards the end

[@LimoneneDaddy]

Captivating documentary that draws you in immediately, well done

[@hannibal0888]

Powerful documentary. Great job pushing and finding testimonials shedding light on this cruel situation.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@umerkhayyam3462]

Best documentary exposing who actually the US we’re supporting child abuser and murderers all the way

[@hamidjan8410]

As a Afghan its 100% true it was a great cruel 😢😢😢. When there is no enemy within the enemy of out side can,t you no harm

[@SirJaymesDAudelée]

Great quote

[@shaheenkarimphotography]

As an Afghan, this documentary informs me many facts that I cannot imagine.

[@alessandrariussi4658]

Very brave journalists! There is no word strong enough to condemn the atrocities on children 😢 I Wish western troops did an effort to stop the violence

[@AdamKahn-qw3pl]

Not a journalist. A spy!!!!🖕🏻

[@torojoy1742]

Now it stoped..after your west army gone.new goverment try to using god given law . Ofcourse it not perfect yet

[@RazzRoss]

This all bought by western troops what are you talking about?

[@aadanaadan9109]

I wish you have the same concern towards Palestinians.

[@alessandrariussi4658]

@@aadanaadan9109 of corse I do❤️ and towards all children suffering from war and violence

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

19:21 yup that what the marine said when he was serving there

[@weirdgod9893]

Can you do the next documentary based on drugs in the USA?

[@baloz8974]

Am so curious to that's documentary of US too.😊

[@LavionsOregon]

Rather Russia, they got biiiiiiig problem with all kinds of drugs. Theres loads of drug documentaries about USA, but no new about Russia drug habbit... probably too ashamed.

[@Andizu1]

There's lots of documentaries about drugs in the USA. Look up crystal meth or fentanyl crisis US and you should find plenty

[@barryryan5187]

do one about HIV in Russia...

[@sr-gc6vh]

​@@LavionsOregonMurican coping

[@salalkhan4184]

There was also a tyrant in Kandahar named Raziq

[@khannoorzai3105]

True

[@mubaris.s]

father of Indians🇵🇰

[@shahidakhan630]

now imagine what’s his state gonna be like in his grave

[@MATIN-yo6sy]

mother Fak is lying

[@bloodyqueen6658]

General Yahya Khan, General Parwez Musharraf, General AK Niyazi General Qamar Javed Bajwa S*x scandals

[@mohammadajmalhairan7903]

Praise to Almighty Allah SWT. Afghanistan is now under the control of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Everywhere is peace and all rights are assured. Everyone who want to know about the exact situation here, welcome everytime.

[@Gkin40seconds]

Nobody's gonna talk about US War Crimes in Afganistan and in Palestine through its proxy Isreal....

[@harperwelch5147]

Different topic. This one needs to be told. Listen.

[@sarahmitchell4455]

Not true

[@SirJaymesDAudelée]

Why don’t you tell us all about it?

[@fayzullohdushanbe8558]

Afghanistan in peace now without Nato & USA

[@r2ecko]

Pieces*

[@jordmoore1333]

What about all the isis bombs an killings

[@uk6396]

Isis wouldn't exist without the us

[@guestinthisword.87yearsago35]

@@jordmoore1333what killings what isis. There’s nothing going on now only poverty

[@algojobick5847]

​​@@jordmoore1333isis was exist iraq and syria not Afghanistan and also Taliban and isis hating each other

[@ukhyarbunere1698]

In the last slide of the video, please clearly state that the actions of ISAF and its allies led to the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, turning it into a totalitarian state and isolating it from the international community

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

That will be rubbish ; the afghan male majority like this way of keeping his power and controll , they are not abel to get away from this self created rules .

[@aliyabdulrahman]

Graveyard of empires , what an amazing and heartfelt documentary. Thank you for your service.

[@oakridgemall-8jl2h9f]

😂😂😂 Afghanistan is _still_ under Rashidun/Umayyad/Abbasid Caliphate (Empire)!

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

Its still an empire with a littel emperor behind every mountain an in every valley ; and the afghans seems to want to life this way. Leave them alone and let the evolution take care of them.

[@OM-sb2bd]

That thumbnail 😮: ‘This head might look nice on my mantle.’

[@marilenaganea6578]

That was my thought too ... That pat on the head was threatening, like psychopath level patting his next victim threatening

[@Jackiechan449]

At first i didn't knew that it'll be like this but now yes the thumbnail shows every sec of this clip

[@MohammadKhan-q2s]

@@Jackiechan449 Probably yes but in a different way. When patting the head the Police said since you guys (Whiteman) have gone -referring to reduced role and numbers of NATO soldiers -we not seen good days. He basically meant that when NATO was their, they had high income.

[@Nothingnew321]

Cruel people don't live long.

[@bracketclose]

Net and ya who? Youre right. That and all those rhino plasts

[@Menoff7-d8s]

Wow DW! this is real stuff

[@mehmoodkhankhattak]

For your kind infotmation afghanistan is safe. The drug cultivation has already be zeroed. They were high during NATO occupation. Why DW next documentary soon😂

[@websitemartian]

good to know. are you there?

[@readthrough978]

Says a Pakistani

[@mehmoodkhankhattak]

@@readthrough978 I am afghan

[@readthrough978]

@@mehmoodkhankhattak Afghan khatak?

[@TexrRavan]

Afghanistan is as safe as Vegas has morality 😅

[@banerjeesiddharth05]

Mind blowing documentary 👌 🙌 👏

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for your comment!

[@Brice23]

Not surprised at all.

[@vanjamatic3972]

Thank you DW and Denmark! ❤

[@mathewhawn4096]

Some afghans are messed up. A lot of them fought to the last bullet. Surrendered, to a firing line. To go out swinging. USA let Afghanistan down.

[@najibhakimzada1412]

Third world problems

[@SK-lt1so]

USA won. Afghanistan lost.

[@sarahmitchell4455]

​@@SK-lt1sowe did not win. Many of our soldiers committed suicide bc of guilt

[@HerbysHanz]

​@@sarahmitchell4455 🙋. That's beeped up. Fight back, not yourselves. Forgive yourself once. I think NATO should have joined the Russians when schools were being built. I hope, I hope some ones learned their lesson. 😢🙏

[@izazkhan9027]

Afghanistan’s history in the 20th century is a tapestry woven with the threads of hope, progress, and profound tragedy. In the mid-1900s, the land that now echoes with the pain of endless conflict was once a beacon of modernization and social reform. The nation embraced change with a fervor, pushing towards a future where women could vote, learn, and lead. In the 1960s and 70s, Afghanistan’s universities stood tall, welcoming eager minds from across the region, from Pakistan to India, seeking knowledge and enlightenment in a country that valued education and empowerment. Kabul University, in particular, was a symbol of this golden age, a testament to the nation’s aspirations. The dawn of a new era came with the Saur Revolution of 1978, a turning point that promised to reshape Afghan society. The People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), with the support of the Soviet Union, seized control, heralding a new order of socialist reforms. These reforms aimed to redistribute land, eradicate illiteracy, and provide universal healthcare. The dream was grand, but the execution harsh. The PDPA’s radical policies alienated many, especially among the deeply conservative and religious sectors of society. Afghanistan, a land of proud traditions, found itself torn between visions of the future and the sacred bonds of its past. Amid this turmoil, the world beyond Afghanistan’s borders watched with bated breath. In the shadows of the Cold War, the United States and its allies saw a threat in the socialist government-a threat that stretched beyond the Hindu Kush to the strategic depths of the Middle East and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The fear was palpable: a socialist Afghanistan could become a Soviet stronghold, altering the delicate balance of power in the region. In response, the U.S. launched Operation Cyclone, a covert operation of unprecedented scale and expense, channeling billions of dollars to arm and support the Afghan mujahideen. Pakistan, under the iron rule of General Zia-ul-Haq, became the conduit for this operation. With financial backing from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s government recruited, trained, and armed these fighters, infusing them with a conservative Islamic ideology that resonated with Zia’s own vision for the region. It was a time when religion was weaponized, not to uplift but to divide, to create soldiers out of believers. Religious schools, or madrassas, in Pakistan’s tribal areas became the crucibles for this radical transformation. Funded by Saudi oil wealth and supported by the CIA, these institutions preached a puritanical form of Islam that cast the Soviet “infidels” as the enemies of the faith. Young Afghans and Pakistanis were molded into instruments of war, their minds filled with a narrative that made jihad a religious duty. This was more than just ideological indoctrination; it was a manipulation of the very soul of a people, exploiting their faith and cultural heritage for geopolitical ends. At the heart of this manipulation was Pashtunwali, the ancient code of conduct that governs Pashtun society. Pashtunwali embodies values such as hospitality, protection of guests, and an unyielding sense of honor. It also enshrines the principle of solidarity in the face of external threats. This was exploited to devastating effect. The saying, “Sabaq da madrase wayi da para da paise wayi, Pa jannat k ba ye zai na we Pa dozakh k ba ghoope wayi,” meaning “those who go to schools do it for money and there will be no place for them in heaven, they will go to hell,” was propagated to sow seeds of mistrust towards education. It was a cruel irony that the word “Taliban,” meaning “students,” would come to signify those who had been taught to despise the very pursuit of knowledge that once brought glory to Afghanistan. Winston Churchill, in his account of the tribal dynamics in the North West Frontier, noted, “Every man’s hand is against the other, and all against the stranger” (“The Story of the Malakand Field Force,” 1898). This sentiment was later exploited by external powers, turning the inherent Afghan unity against foreign invasion into a tool for their own geopolitical chess game. Afghanistan’s fierce independence and its people’s willingness to unite against a common enemy were used to serve a purpose that was never theirs to begin with. The Taliban emerged from this crucible of conflict in the early 1990s. They were the children of the madrassas, young refugees who had known only war and the harsh teachings of their ideological mentors. At first, they promised stability in a land weary of chaos, imposing a strict interpretation of Sharia law that resonated with those longing for order. But the order they brought was one of darkness-marked by the suppression of women, the public executions, and the erasure of cultural heritage, like the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas that stood as silent witnesses to Afghanistan’s rich history. Yet, the seeds of terrorism were sown during this era, seeds that would grow into a global menace. The Taliban, forged in the crucible of the Cold War, harbored and nurtured extremist elements that would eventually turn their wrath outward. The poisonous fruit of this geopolitical game was the rise of international terrorism, culminating in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. The very forces that the West had once armed and trained turned against them, bringing death and destruction to the heart of New York City and beyond. The world watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell, a stark reminder that the consequences of meddling in the affairs of sovereign nations for the sake of strategic advantage can come back with devastating force. The West, proclaiming to be champions of democracy and freedom, supported authoritarian regimes and manipulated the socio-political landscape of Afghanistan, all in the name of fighting communism. How can they claim to bring democracy when they undermined a government that, despite its flaws, was laying the foundation for progress and modernity? They ousted a democratic socialist government because it did not align with their capitalist interests, because it dared to dream of a different future for its people-a future where healthcare was universal, education was free, and women stood shoulder to shoulder with men in the building of a nation. Instead, the West’s interference plunged Afghanistan into a dark abyss, where extremist ideologies flourished and the voices of progress were silenced. The Taliban’s rise was not an accident of history but a direct outcome of foreign intervention and the cynical use of religion as a weapon of war. The very forces that were empowered to combat Soviet influence became the harbingers of terror, not just for Afghanistan but for the world. We are now reaping the bitter fruits of seeds sown decades ago. Terrorism has spread its roots far and wide, claiming innocent lives in a brutal cycle of violence. The Afghan people, once proud and progressive, have borne the brunt of this tragedy, caught in a storm of ideology and power politics that was never theirs to begin with. This is but a chapter in the long and painful saga of a war imposed upon a proud and ancient land-a war that has not only scarred the earth but also the souls of its people. The exploitation of Afghanistan’s culture, faith, and sense of unity for the machinations of foreign powers is a story that resonates with a timeless truth: that the human cost of geopolitical ambition is often borne by those who have the least say in the matter. And in the wake of this tragic history, we are left with a haunting question: what was gained, and at what cost? The echoes of this question reverberate not just in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan, but in the heart of every nation that has felt the scourge of terrorism born from the ashes of this conflict.

[@izazkhan9027]

Being an Afghan, I blame the US, Saudi Arabia, And Pakistan for all these atrocities. They all were equally responsible. During the 1980s, the United States initiated Operation Cyclone, a covert operation to support the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union. Funding escalated rapidly, reaching about $630 million annually by the mid-1980s. This included providing advanced weapons such as Stinger missiles and anti-aircraft guns, which greatly enhanced the mujahideen’s ability to combat Soviet forces. Throughout the decade, the U.S. invested approximately $3 billion, funneling these resources through Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The ISI then supported various warlords and other groups who played significant roles in the conflict, many of whom later formed the core of the Taliban (Bergen, Holy War, Inc., 2001). The Taliban were essentially mujahideen fighters who, after the Soviet withdrawal, regrouped in the 1990s. These fighters had been trained in Pakistani madrassas, funded by the CIA and Saudi Arabia, and embraced a strict and radical interpretation of Islamic law. After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, the U.S. continued its involvement in different forms. Over the past 45 years, total expenditure related to Afghanistan, including military operations and strategic efforts, has reached an estimated $2 trillion. This extensive funding and militarization did not bring about reconstruction or stability; instead, Afghanistan remains in a worse situation, with ongoing violence and destruction. The focus on supporting warlords and other groups without a cohesive plan for the country’s future led to an environment of prolonged conflict and unrest. The human cost of this extended conflict has been devastating. Over 1 million Afghans have been killed, with countless others injured and millions forced to flee their homes. This toll extends beyond Afghanistan, contributing to global insecurity as the rise of groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda resulted in acts of international terrorism, including the September 11 attacks. Hillary Clinton acknowledged the unintended consequences of these actions in 2009, stating, “The people we are fighting today, we funded twenty years ago…” (Fox News interview, 2009). The U.S.’s strategy of funding and arming warlords and other combatants in Afghanistan has left a legacy of death and instability, affecting both the region and the wider world.

[@vanillagorrilla]

Ahhhhhh poor Afghanistan

[@SWAGGELI]

I was waiting for this new report pap heheh am watching enjoying 🎉

[@user-fi7hr3gx4h]

These propaganda don’t work no more

[@rigovelasquez2107]

Poor Danish soldiers they were both betrayed by the Police Forces in Afghanistan who turned out to be just as bad apples ad the colonist dogs who called themselves the British parliament and their overlords the US government. How the tides turn. We need to stop the thinking that the West is looking out for the well being of the peoples of the world when the only thing that they care about is keeping themselves as powerful overlords.

[@asadjamal1925]

Good report

[@orchard-i8m]

Fantastic journalism!

[@user-fx3yf3vu8n]

Europe needs more of these people, and their wonderful culture and religion of peace. They are an asset and an example to any civilised country 🤷🏼‍♂

[@Pashazeco]

Lol

[@LavionsOregon]

Lukashenko has loads of them in stock.

[@naquibataee8235]

Religion of peace?? 😂😂

[@akeel6328]

Yes you do. And you will have them.

[@azleadam9239]

Just leave them alone and stop invading them. Western try to enforce they own ideology to the ppl who don't want it. Now they wonder why the native resist and fight back.

[@BubbBlubbii]

what those people do to the boys and people is a disgrace, but sitting in that dumpster fire what to do if it might turn on you. glad the Soldiers wanted to fight it but had there hands bound by the higher ups glad the "Taliban" cleaned up

[@jonasdauerbrenner6432]

imagine thinking that we could change these people. Are the military strategists that stupid? Or maybe it wasnt about changung them at all.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

Do you know afghanistan looks like in the 1960-70s ; befor the male population got inspired by iranian islamic fundalism ?

[@jonasdauerbrenner6432]

@@wolfgangemmerich7552 cant turn back time, can you?

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@jonasdauerbrenner6432 No i cant ; bud it seems like the afghanes like the livesurcomstances of prevolution .

[@jimmyjonga8048]

Coloniser racist

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@jimmyjonga8048 .... when prevolution became government statement

[@Rtrpec]

What was done by australian army .. there are videos where sweden or swiss army are joking about dropping bomb on a village and laughing....

[@thegreatujo]

when was this shot ?

[@hector_flick1930]

2006

[@thegreatujo]

@@hector_flick1930 it's shot after us retreated so it has to be after 2019

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@hector_flick1930 1989 ?

[@drewbranch7700]

Wow,the traumatic rape experiences of the boys kinder reminded me of the book “The Kite Runner”.

[@LooneyTunes-id5pu]

it was Emotional book have Read it but quite a Lot of Propaganda.

[@interstellargalaxy3870]

​@@LooneyTunes-id5pu exactly. In the book The Taliban are being described with the acts that the Afghan Army did commit in fact. The author should be ashamed for trying to cover it and become part of propaganda

[@LooneyTunes-id5pu]

@@interstellargalaxy3870 Moresoever the Book was made a part of Compulsory Studies in Law College/Universities.

[@seabird6744]

All those face full of evil. Not a smile, death, and terror only.

[@Vongreimbf109]

That why Taliban came back take over..this just drug cartel Cia backed people

[@FaisalSalimee12890]

the people of southern Afghanistan fought very hard to the point that Helmand became 2nd Gaza.

[@MannyScans]

Dude was not about to let the cameras leave without coming out in the drip. lol

[@maziyar7604]

21:00 The former interpreter says "I'm an Afghan, It's in no way normal in Afghanistan". In fact, it's an Afghan cultural issue, especially in the south of Afghanistan, and is called "Bacha Bazi". It means "playing with boys". why do powerful men not commit this to this level and quite revealing, in the rest of the world?

[@Aslaan1]

Previous governments made Afghanistan aid dependent & drugs dependent. But Alhamdulillah Afghanistan is now free. Defeated countries list USA Canada France Denmark Germany Norway & great USSR in the past.

[@ricardo-2019-î]

Why do you care about them? They never cared about you. Afghanistan is 1919 years old. It is older than the entity of the State of Israel.

[@sarahmitchell4455]

People in Afghanistan are not free and poor

[@Aslaan1]

10:16 Landlords in Afghanistan used to use common people for their gains sometimes they woud take their daughters for not able to repay the loan. Similarly these Warlords used to reign like kings. This is why these people didn't won & not their masters( Western countries).

[@azleadam9239]

The things i like about Afghanistan is that, they fight and resist again colonial till the end, and they success. Congratulations for reaching the freedom of you land and freedom.

[@johnmanole4779]

I love the thumbnail 😂👍

[@NorseCode-s7i]

i am from Afghanistan and who ever says that Afghanistan is better now then 3 years ago is crazy. Right now it is like living in worst place in the world, for women, kids and everyone.

[@vukaleksic1654]

Are they still doing drugs and rape

[@khannoorzai3105]

Im also from Afghanistan, its hell better than before! Nearly every Province had Warlords like those shown in the documentary, now these kind of animals are all gone 🎉 Secondly drone attacks or bombing all stopped.

[@mohammedahmadzai4189]

You don’t even live in Afghanistan so shut up and don’t try to spread Faldo information online

[@aadanaadan9109]

Pro west spotted.

[@kaitsardainippon3884]

Jir akun baru bikin

[@AJ-be5jv]

50:47 yeah don’t ever go back

[@MImad-rv5gt]

propaganda against Afganistan there are plenty of other countries like mexico wht dont you expose them

[@aasiyapowell875]

As salam alaikum. My mother is confused about why the Taliban is back in power. We only have a few rumors about life under the warlords.

[@MakariMakkan]

​@@aasiyapowell875all part of world destruction

[@wikirexmax]

As if there were no report on cartel violence in Mexico. There even movies and series about it. Stop the victimhood.

[@BoliceOccifer]

The existence of evil in Mexico does not negate the existence of evil in Afghanistan. What point are you trying to make?

[@mrmuhammad11]

​@BoliceOccifer It's over now, this is an 18-year-old video uploaded now

[@DaveSmith-v3t]

that's what freedom is, drugs and religion

[@habibrahmani8927]

The whole world should be shamed after supporting gangsters then called government and democracy 😢

[@dimas128]

So glad that people of Afghanistan won in their war of independence against Western invaders. USA, UK, Germany and others committed countless war crimes in Afghanistan, killing innocent civilians , kidnapping and torturing people. Afghasn people never forget.

[@Whywhatwherehowwhen]

What the fuck are you talking about? The taliban harboured known terrorists. Lots of afghans hated the Taliban and still do. The Americans gave them the tools to defend themselves against the Taliban taking over again and they just gave up. You seriously don’t want to go there with war crimes. What the Taliban have done to their own people is disgusting.

[@CupOfTea834]

Old documentary.

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

12:37 yes i remember a marine talking about afghan cop chief who was a child abuser and marines knew about it but really couldnt do anything .... and yes the same cop was involved in poppy cultivation Nd marines use to protectvthe outer perimeter of the fields to protectvthe good will among the local cultivation population wonder if its the same guy ??? i think the chold abuser cop

[@JonnyRatclffe3467]

ENGLAND in 4 years with kier starmer in power

[@MRMORGAN817]

London is well on the way

[@IsmashedELMO]

Salam, soo what happened?

[@Nazir-t3x]

Lol why would DW upload an old video ? These days are over.

[@aasiyapowell875]

As salam alaikum brother Ahmad, we Americans have been in media blockade, and only now do we have confirmation of what we supported.

[@abdullahjalal27]

😂😂, very accurately funny ​@@aasiyapowell875

[@EikeEnki]

28:25 Tell him to ask me questions: My CV is very long 😂😂😂 48:55 Issa Khan is farming Opium now 😂😂 50:06 to hell with the Danes!!😂😂😂

[@ahmadali-m5z3n]

May Allah(SWT) guides Muslim to the right path Ameen

[@robinmangala3536]

So Christians not?

[@junaidsuhais8704]

haunting

[@bobekvelky4129]

people of Afghanistan can take care of their land, they do not need gringos occupiers, kudos to Afghanistan

[@susansmashdick]

@@arrarikki most of Ukrainian soldiers.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

... they rather keep dependent from foreign food support ?

[@bolebalesale7617]

I think im gonna do business trip there soon any tour guide available in Afghanistan?

[@NematGawhari]

Poor afghanistan 😢

[@daniyalwajid4601]

Propagenda propagenda propagenda

[@grantchang81976]

afghan taliban need to piece up and peace up and fight against tyranical state sponsored terrorism of the USGOV.

[@andresuribe8929]

CIA Drug Cartels

[@andresuribe8929]

uncle sam misses opium's monetary benefits

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

17:20 investigate this man he seems involved in this brutality and encouraged xhld ibUxE

[@jalijali8448]

That interpreter is lying, it is/was common in Afghanistan. See the documentary on here about Bacha Bazi- dancing boys, none of the people in that doc are "warlords"

[@MusashiDonoo]

Coalition is responsible for these monstrosities as much as the rapists and killers of local people

[@user-ke2gc3cp4l]

Go To Gaza We knew this DW German Israeli Support third class media group

[@Irakli-o5i]

I saw total documentary and 100 % I'm sure Afghanistan never change... This is mission impossible and it's better to leave them alone and let's they decide how they will destroy their land and their nation... This people are doing things against humanity... That's all... Why International Society spent a lot of money for this Mission Impossible and for what died our soldiers? For peace that Afghans don't need?! Shameful and nothing more.

[@RazaAli-l4z]

Don’t get me wrong Afghans and perhaps people of Afghanistan’s are caught in a bad situation… They are very beautiful people…

[@guleit89]

How did worlds best armies with unlimited resources couldn’t defeat rag tag militias with no regular army and no training or resources is unbelievable

[@naquibataee8235]

Afghan army surrendered under a surrender deal made by corrupt leaders

[@bradcole1996]

We let them take their country back?? They sure didn't make us leave? And I bet the body count was more on the Afghan side??

[@nomi27951]

@@bradcole1996 sure buddy

[@naquibataee8235]

@@guleit89 I told you Afghan Army was made to surrender under a surrender deal by our corrupt politicians. Why delete my comment? In fact, Talibans return to power was fixed.

[@sarahmitchell4455]

​@@bradcole1996bc trump agreed to leave. I feel so sad for our afghan veterans

[@bonoasante]

the west is complicit in all the suffering of Afghans. 20 years of sacrifice and they retreated like the traitors they are.

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

22:33 This is a victim of afghan police under international forces 😢

[@ahantu]

Taliban fails as the Afghan government that should be their responsibility to keep the Afghan civilians to feel safe in their country. Please loudly criticize the Taliban government and expect more from them.

[@МиколаКоростильов-ю6ч]

It`s awesome!!! I have one question: how could you get there - in Afghanistan and made such a many-side film?

[@Popolnews758]

Western and American propaganda

[@workouts_2024]

Didn't the drug cartels fund the Taliban coming into power??

[@mauritsdonga7663]

No, truths, reporters don't invent facts. They are corroborated by other sources. So, get lost with your inability to deal with the truth.

[@Popolnews758]

@@mauritsdonga7663 hoax