We welcome Todd and Shaun’s Pittsburgh neighbor Fakhriya Hashemi to the Scuttlebutt to share her family’s story of living in Afghanistan before, during, and after the Taliban.
Fakhriya was an attorney in Kabul, working for a firm that did business with the U.S. Due to her association with American forces, she faced significant danger. Her husband, Mohammad Yousuf, worked for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, also making him a target. In January 2019, Fakhriya decided to seek asylum in the United States to protect herself and her family. She brought her 12-year-old daughter with her, leaving behind her husband, who was unable to leave Afghanistan.
In June 2021, Fakhriya returned to Kabul with her now two children to help her husband escape. When the U.S. began evacuating in August, they went into hiding to avoid the Taliban. After a week of trying to get into the airport and avoiding detection, Fakhriya and her family were evacuated. They were flown to Germany and then to Virginia before returning to Pittsburgh.
The evacuation operation from Kabul was one of the largest and most complex airlifts in history. In the chaotic weeks following the Taliban’s takeover, the U.S. military and its allies evacuated over 120,000 people. Among them were American citizens, third-country nationals, and tens of thousands of Afghans who had assisted the U.S. and NATO forces over the past two decades. These individuals included interpreters, drivers, embassy staff, and their families, all of whom were at high risk of Taliban reprisals.
Upon arrival in the United States, Afghan evacuees were initially housed at military bases, where they underwent security screenings, medical checks, and orientation programs. These bases, termed “safe havens,” served as temporary accommodations while the refugees awaited relocation to communities across the country. The U.S. government, in coordination with resettlement agencies such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), played a crucial role in facilitating the integration process.
The transition to life in the United States presented numerous challenges for Afghan refugees. Many arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs, having left behind their homes, possessions, and, in many cases, family members. Language barriers, cultural differences, and the trauma of their abrupt departure added to the difficulties they faced.
Housing emerged as a significant issue, with many refugees struggling to find affordable and suitable accommodations. The surge in demand for housing strained local resources, particularly in cities with large Afghan communities, such as Sacramento, California, and Northern Virginia. Employment was another critical concern. While many Afghan refugees possessed valuable skills and experience, the process of obtaining work authorization and navigating the U.S. job market posed hurdles.
Despite the challenges, the Afghan community found support from various quarters. Resettlement agencies provided essential services, including housing assistance, job placement, language classes, and legal aid. Community organizations and volunteer groups also played a vital role in helping refugees adapt to their new environment. These efforts were crucial in easing the transition and fostering a sense of belonging.
Education was a key focus, with many Afghan children enrolling in U.S. schools and adults attending English language and vocational training programs. Educational institutions and local communities worked to accommodate the influx of new students, often providing additional resources and support to ensure a smooth integration.
The Afghan refugees who arrived in the United States brought with them a wealth of experiences, skills, and cultural heritage. Despite the hardships, many demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild their lives. Afghan entrepreneurs began to establish businesses, contributing to local economies and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Stories of success and integration emerged, highlighting the potential and contributions of the Afghan community. From small business owners to professionals in various fields, Afghan refugees began to carve out new futures for themselves and their families. Their presence enriched the cultural tapestry of their new communities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.
The roots of the fall of Kabul can be traced back to the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States and its allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Initially, the operation was successful; the Taliban regime was swiftly toppled, and a new Afghan government was established with international support. However, the ensuing years were marked by persistent instability, corruption, and a resilient Taliban insurgency.
In February 2020, the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, signed a peace agreement with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. The deal outlined a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops, contingent upon the Taliban meeting certain conditions, including severing ties with terrorist groups and engaging in intra-Afghan dialogue. President Joe Biden, upon taking office in January 2021, faced a critical decision regarding the future U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Weighing the options, Biden chose to honor the agreement, setting a deadline for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces by August 31, 2021.
As U.S. and NATO forces began their withdrawal, the Taliban launched a series of offensives across Afghanistan. Capitalizing on the diminishing international military presence, the Taliban rapidly captured provincial capitals and key territories. Afghan security forces, plagued by low morale, inadequate training, and corruption, often surrendered without significant resistance. By mid-August 2021, the Taliban had surrounded Kabul, the Afghan capital.
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul with little opposition. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, effectively signaling the collapse of the Afghan government. The speed of the Taliban’s advance and the sudden fall of Kabul took the world by surprise, leading to chaotic scenes at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport as thousands of Afghans and foreign nationals desperately sought to flee the country. The airport became a focal point of international attention, with images and videos of desperate Afghans clinging to departing aircraft symbolizing the panic and uncertainty that gripped the nation.
The international community reacted with a mix of shock, condemnation, and urgent mobilization to evacuate citizens and vulnerable Afghans. The United States and its allies launched one of the largest airlift operations in history, evacuating over 120,000 people in the final weeks of August. However, the operation was marred by logistical challenges, security threats, and a devastating suicide bombing at the airport on August 26, which killed 13 U.S. service members and scores of Afghan civilians. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), underscored the precarious security situation in Afghanistan.
The fall of Kabul had immediate and far-reaching humanitarian implications. The Taliban’s return to power raised fears of a regression in human rights, particularly for women and minorities who had gained significant freedoms over the past two decades. Reports of reprisals, targeted killings, and the imposition of harsh restrictions surfaced, painting a grim picture of the future under Taliban rule. The international community faced a dilemma: how to engage with the new regime while advocating for human rights and providing humanitarian aid to a population in distress.
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan had profound implications for regional stability. Neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, China, and Russia, closely monitored the situation, each with its strategic interests and concerns. Pakistan, which had long been accused of providing support to the Taliban, faced a complex situation with potential refugee inflows and security challenges. Iran, which shares a border with Afghanistan, worried about the resurgence of Sunni extremism and the fate of the Shia Hazara minority.
The future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule remains uncertain. The Taliban face significant challenges in governing a diverse and war-weary nation. The economic situation is dire, with international aid, which previously constituted a significant portion of the national budget, largely suspended. The threat of terrorism from groups like ISIS-K adds to the instability.
The fall of Kabul in 2021 was a watershed moment in Afghan history, symbolizing the end of a prolonged conflict and the beginning of a new, uncertain era. As Afghanistan navigates this new chapter, the international community faces the task of balancing engagement with the Taliban while advocating for the rights and well-being of the Afghan people. The legacy of the fall of Kabul will undoubtedly shape the region and influence global geopolitical dynamics for years to come.
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
