5 years after the U.S. left, Afghan allies reflect on life under Taliban rule

In the wake of the Taliban's five-year rule over Afghanistan, a series of stories will explore the lives of three individuals and their families. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O Connor, who witnessed the Taliban's takeover, recently returned from Kabul to report on their experiences. All interviewees' names have been changed for their safety.

Rasool, an Afghan National Army veteran, fought against the Taliban during their lightning-fast take-over in August 2021. He arrived too late to save his fellow soldier, who died from multiple gunshot wounds. Rasool was shocked when he was ordered to lay down his weapons and return home, as he couldn't believe the Taliban had taken control. Since surrendering his arms, Rasool has struggled to adjust to life in the shadows, fearing for his safety and wondering why his comrades didn't surrender earlier to avoid bloodshed.

As the Taliban entered Kabul, panic ensued, with tens of thousands of Afghans gathering at the airport, desperate to leave the country. Zahra, a former U.S. government employee, was forced to send her two young children back home while she was allowed to accompany her newborn daughter to the airport. She pleaded with officials to allow her to stay with her children, explaining that she could help them secure their departure.

Despite her pleas, Zahra was separated from her family and left to endure a highly stressful and emotional journey.

Zahra's daughter, Mina, now 14, lives in fear of the Taliban, who have banned women from most aspects of society. Mina is grappling with anxiety, depression, and nightmares as she dreams of the life she had envisioned for herself in the United States. Her elderly grandmother is also struggling, barely able to take the children outside due to the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Meanwhile, in California, Zahra fights to secure medical treatment for her son, who has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer.