Lost in translation: Taliban scare for ‘kafir’ interpreters amid US withdrawal from Afghanistan

Afghan nationals (including local embassy officials), who are eligible for an escape from Kabul under the special immigration policies, have the US, the UK and Canada as the likeliest of destinations.

The year was 2002. The world had changed forever. Post 9/11, Afghanistan descended further into turmoil. Mohammed Raza (name changed), a pious and loving family man, was staring at an uncertain future along with his wife. He despised the Taliban and wanted a better life for his three kids. That was when Raza got a chance to help the incoming United States troops and allied government organisations as an interpreter. Along with the US and NATO troops, Afghanistan also saw an influx of human rights and other organisations that aimed at bettering the lives of people. While the troops pounded Taliban-controlled lands and frantically searched for then Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden — considered mastermind of 9/11 attacks, these organisations built schools and roads, and set up camps for displaced people.