Taliban

Afghanistan: ‘One of the world’s worst humanitarian crises’

Since the Taliban took control on 15 August 2021, Afghanistan has been suffering a severe humanitarian crisis. UN figures show 95 percent of Afghans going hungry. The situation has been exacerbated by the U.S. decision to freeze the Afghan Central Bank’s assets and international sanctions that are crippling an already fragile economy.

One year on, Taliban torn over reforms

One year on from the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, some cracks are opening within their ranks over the crucial question of just how much reform their leaders can tolerate.

Afghanistan: Deadliest earthquake in 20 years

From child refugee to professional footballer

The documentary "Nadia" tells the incredible story of Nadia Nadim, who was forced to flee from the Taliban as a child and became a football star. By Annabelle Steffes-Halmer

"The best revenge is to keep making films"

Three award-winning female directors appeal to the international film industry to save Afghan cinema. Supporting women filmmakers is more important than ever. By Christine Lehnen

A tale of Afghan-European failure

Haidy Kancler’s documentary "Melting Dreams" celebrated its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Film Festival in February 2022. The film follows the fortunes of three young female skiers from Afghanistan who travel to Europe for professional training. Their hopes are running high, but the trip ends in disaster. Rene Wildangel reports for Qantara.de

Afghan girls attend "secret school"

After coming to power, the Islamist group imposed a ban on girls' education, prompting some Afghans to set up an underground school. Hussain Sirat and Ahmad Hakimi spoke to some of the girls who are determined to continue their studies

'My heart and body shake': Afghan women defy Taliban

Over the past six months, a network of dozens of Afghan women – former students, teachers, NGO workers, as well as housewives – has grown up, working in secret to organise protests against the Taliban. Challenging the new authorities may cost them everything: four of their comrades have already been seized. But those that remain are determined to battle on

Giving voice to Afghanistan's oppressed

Afghanistan's first female street artist depicts Afghan women as they face renewed Taliban threats. Despite the danger, she pursues her work of resistance. By Cristina Burack

The Guantanamo mother

Andreas Dresen's Berlinale film "Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush" is the gripping portrayal of a mother determined to get her son released from Guantanamo. By Torsten Landsberg