August 15, 2024. While India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, neighboring Afghanistan commemorates three years since the Taliban regained power. Following their return, the Taliban made numerous promises and claimed their rule would be unlike the previous one. Yet, this has not been the case.
Afghanistan's economy is in turmoil, infrastructure is crumbling, and poverty is rampant, but the Taliban remains unaffected. Just like their previous regime, punishments such as flogging and stoning are administered, and women are barred from attending college or working.
In an attempt to divert the world's attention, the Taliban is working on a new strategy. Instead of a brutal and chaotic Afghanistan reminiscent of the 1990s, they are showcasing a 'beautiful' Afghanistan.
Source: aajtak
At the end of 2023, two Taliban soldiers welcomed British YouTuber Harry Jaggard at Kabul Airport. In a video, he stated, 'I feel safer in Kabul than in California, USA. It's insanity.'
Samantha Shea, an American-born YouTuber running the channel @SamanthaTaylorTravels, has several videos praising the Taliban regime. Samantha is reported to be married and settled in Pakistan.
To attract more tourists, the Taliban is offering deep discounts on tour packages ranging from INR 150,000 to INR 1.3 million for a 12-day itinerary.
Since the Taliban's return, traveling alone or socializing in public places has become difficult for women. They must wear a burqa from head to toe and can only go out accompanied by a male. However, these rules do not apply to foreign female tourists.
Female tourists from other countries explore markets and restaurants, mingle with men of all ages, and even take pictures with armed Taliban fighters.
Source: aajtak
India Today's Open Source Intelligence Team (OSINT) has identified a pattern among travel influencers from abroad. They are accompanied by tour guides who instruct them on what to do, where to go, and what to film. Their vlogs uniformly depict Afghanistan as a safe and unique destination and portray the Taliban as welcoming. They also urge viewers not to trust the media's portrayal of Afghanistan.
In one vlog, a Ukrainian-American woman states, 'Tourists don't feel the same restrictions. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed. Is Afghanistan safe? That depends on who you ask.'
Since the Taliban's return in 2021, there has been an increase in foreign tourists in Afghanistan. This may be attributed to people seeking to visit unique and risky destinations.
According to the AP news agency, about seven thousand foreign nationals visited Afghanistan in 2023, up from just 691 in 2021 and 2,300 in 2022. Nonetheless, many countries, including the U.S., advise their citizens against traveling to Afghanistan.
Reports indicate that the Taliban's tourism directorate is training tour operators and guides, teaching them how to interact with female tourists.
Afghanistan’s only five-star hotel, The Serena, has reopened its women-only spa and salon catering to foreign women after several months.
To combat negative perceptions and gain international recognition, the Taliban is running a propaganda campaign on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. They post images and videos of historical sites and beautiful locations, claiming improved connectivity under Taliban rule.
Leading up to their third anniversary, Taliban supporters have been posting pictures and videos of military exercises and the use of military equipment left behind by the U.S. forces on social media.
