The Audio Long Read From the archive: ‘I pleaded for help. No one wrote back’: the pain of watching my country fall to the Taliban
Apr 23, 2025
In this gripping discussion, narrator Serena Manteghi brings to life a powerful long-read about the tumultuous evacuation in Afghanistan as the Taliban took control. She dives into the harrowing emotions faced by civilians, especially women, fighting to reclaim their rights amidst chaos. The podcast reflects on personal stories of resilience, the dire plight of Afghan allies, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness felt both on the ground and abroad. Manteghi's narration underscores the psychological toll of watching a nation collapse.
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Personal turmoil as Kabul fell
- Zarlasht experienced deep personal anxiety as Kabul fell and the Taliban entered the city.
- She received urgent messages from friends in Kabul describing deserted streets and escalating fear.
Confusing evacuation criteria
- The chaotic evacuation was worsened by unclear, constantly changing US Embassy rules.
- Many people at risk had destroyed documents, making official processes difficult or impossible.
Unanswered pleas for evacuation help
- Pleas for help from US officials went unanswered during Kabul's fall.
- Afghans were left in darkness without a clear evacuation plan.
