Afghanistan: The New Refugee Crisis

November 9, 2021

Since the final departure of the western military and diplomats from Afghanistan, what happens in that country has dropped off the news, in the main. Instead we get reports about government sleaze, the COP 26 Climate Crisis conference, and the occasional mention of the new ‘fishing war’ with France.

Fortunately, the BBC still has a very good correspondent in Afghanistan, a local man who has stayed on to send reports.

After the Taliban assumed power, they sacked almost everyone who had a job under the previous government. Most women employed in any job were told to go home, schools became institutions that taught only the Koran, and only to boys. Salaries outstanding from the previous administration have not been paid since the takeover, and assets have been frozen by the simple act of closing down banks.

This has triggered a massive refugee crisis, as tens of thousands of Afghans flee the country, most using the land route to try to get into Pakistan or Iran. Few have a valid passport, and none have the required visas. That means they are exploited by people smugglers who charge them most of the money they have left to drive them across borders in rickety old pickup trucks, crammed with refugees.

Most want to get to Turkey, where they believe they can find work. Some see Turkey as a stepping stone to other countries in Europe, their eventual goal. Meanwhile, up to 5,000 people a day, including women and children, are leaving from just one town on the border with Iran. Some are detained on the other side by the Iranian authorities, and returned to Afghanistan. All they do then is to wait their turn to try again.

And what of the Taliban? Are they trying to stop the people smugglers? Are they worried about this exodus of people from their fundamentalist utopia? Many of those leaving are well-educated, and experienced in the administration and infrastructure of running a country. You might think the Taliban would be doing its best to keep them.

But no.

Instead, they stand and watch, charging the people smugglers $10 per pickup truck for each one that passes their checkpoint.

This must be what counts as ‘Income generation’ under their rule.

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Written by beetleypete Posted in Uncategorized Tagged with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, People Smugglers, Refugees, Taliban