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The Print
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Once anti-tech, Taliban is now media-savvy. A tongue-in-cheek video invites Americans to Afghanistan
The video, which has been uploaded on Raza Afghanistan's Instagram page, then pans out, showing a man doing pull-ups on the barrel of a rusted tank. Another swims across a lake with an assault rifle in hand. A rifle, still stamped 'Property of US Government', is examined casually as someone laughs off its unsecured safety switch. The 50-second video, produced by Yosaf Aryubi, the owner of a tour company, Raza Afghanistan, begins with a staged execution scene—an unsettling image of five armed Afghan men standing behind three kneeling, hooded figures who appear to have been abducted. Then, abruptly, the script flips. One hood is pulled off to reveal a grinning man, apparently a foreigner, who flashes a thumbs-up. 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' he exclaims. New Delhi: A promotional video circulating on Taliban-linked social media is grabbing international attention. A blend of dark humour, military imagery, and scenic landscapes, the video extends an unexpected and ironic invitation: Americans, come visit Afghanistan. Cutting between these vignettes is more traditional tourist fare, of foreigners dressed in Afghan clothing, sampling local cuisine, and receiving warm greetings from villagers. The message is clear: Afghanistan is rugged, raw, and open for tourism. The once anti-tech Taliban has long been using social media to change perspectives. Alongside the invitation video, social media influencers, including US adult film actress Whitney Wright and Somali-American content creator Marian Abdi, have shared their travel experiences in the country through their posts. But the messaging is a jarring contradiction—Afghanistan is presented as a nation safe for tourists while Afghan women remain barred from public life, higher education and employment. Speaking about the video, Raghav Sharma, Director, Centre for Afghanistan Studies at OP Jindal Global University, told ThePrint: 'This is more of a symbolic move aimed to shore up the Taliban's quest for external legitimacy. It makes for a rather jarring contrast with their lack of regard for forging domestic legitimacy and their atrocious track record on rights and freedoms, especially for women. American influencers including porn artists are welcomed but Afghan women find themselves stifled.' Sara Wahedi, founder of Civaam, a women-led civic platform in Afghanistan, said that 'although the Taliban has imposed a clear ban on TikTok, it turns a blind eye when it comes to tourism companies, who require Taliban approval to operate, promoting travel to the country'. 'There is no doubt that these tour guides are heavily monitored by the Taliban, permitting visits to historical sites and landscapes. Yet, in a dystopian sense, they are exchanging orientalist fascination for tourism—inviting travel to the 'other', Afghanistan—while fetishising a country where girls and women are systematically erased from society.' 'The invitation is clear: 'come see our country', but what you relinquish in return is the ability to fully acknowledge what is happening here,' she added. Also Read: 2 yrs of Taliban in Afghanistan — ways 'Taliban 2.0' is different, and not so different after all Taliban's social media outreach Post their takeover of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban have aggressively used platforms like X, Telegram, WhatsApp and YouTube to shape international perceptions. The promotional video is part of this increasingly sophisticated media campaign aimed at rebranding the nation under their rule. While they had banned the internet in their previous rule, the Taliban have seemingly turned into savvy users of social media. Even before reclaiming power in 2021, they had a strong online presence through platforms like the website Alemarah and used social media during the two-decade war with the US to spread their message and boost morale of cadres and supporters. As they advanced across Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban shared videos and photos of surrenders, territorial gains, and even light-hearted moments like eating ice cream as a way to portray themselves as a victorious, modern force. A July 2024 article published in East West Centre on the usage of social media by Taliban 2.0 notes that the Taliban are far more media-savvy than they were in the 1990s, with leaders like spokesperson Suhail Shaheen gaining hundreds of thousands of followers online. Despite these rebranding efforts, the US continues to advise against travel to Afghanistan. Its State Department maintains a level four 'do not travel' advisory for Afghanistan, citing terrorism, crime and the risk of abduction. Since the fall of Kabul in 2021 and suspension of operations at the American embassy there, US consular support is no longer available for its citizens. Social media influencers do, however, venture into the country, even as the line between independent creator and state propaganda is murky in Afghanistan. In 2023, when Afghan journalist-turned-YouTuber Hamed Latifee launched Afghanistan Streets, a channel offering viewers glimpses of daily life under Taliban rule, it highlighted humanitarian projects and development initiatives. Often, Latifee was joined by Rafiullah Ahmadzai, then a Kabul city official. But Latifee's rising profile didn't go unnoticed. In March 2024, the channel was taken down, part of a broader effort by YouTube to clamp down on Taliban-affiliated content following reporting by The Washington Post. According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, anyone launching a YouTube channel must obtain a permit of regulations from the previous government. The aim, he says, is to ensure content complies with Sharia, supports national interests, and avoids 'fake news'. In practice, that means if a YouTube channel is operating from inside Afghanistan, it's likely under Taliban oversight, and approval. The Walrus reported, citing an article in the Afghan newspaper Etilaatroz, that the Taliban are paying up to $190 per month to individuals to push government-friendly narratives and drown out dissent. As many as 90 online personalities may be involved in this effort, it said, adding that Mujahid denies this, saying content creators are motivated by patriotism, not paychecks. Still, the Taliban's digital footprint continues to grow. In 2022, Meta shut down the Facebook and Instagram pages of state-run agencies like Bakhtar News and Radio Television Afghanistan. WhatsApp followed suit in 2023, suspending accounts linked to Taliban officials. But enforcement is inconsistent, and platforms like X have proven more lenient. While the company claims to remove content glorifying violence or promoting hate speech, it does not automatically suspend pro-Taliban accounts. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Taliban rejects US peace deal 5 yrs after Kabul's fall. What this means for Afghan citizens, neighbours
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
'Welcome to Afghanistan': Shocking tourism promo urging Americans to visit the country goes viral
A shocking promotional video is circulating on Taliban-affiliated social media, urging American travelers to come to Afghanistan. The video showcases a blend of dark comedy, military visuals and picturesque views of the Afghan countryside. It begins with a provocative image: five armed Afghan men positioned behind three kneeling, hooded figures, imitating the format of extremist hostage recordings. Shocking tourism promo asking Americans to visit the country goes viral (X) Abruptly, an Afghan yanks the hood away from a grinning Caucasian man who offers a thumbs-up and exclaims, 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' What does the video show? In the video, a man does pull-ups on the barrel of a ruined tank, while another swims through a lake with an assault rifle. An M4 rifle labeled 'Property of US Government' is shown, while an off-camera voice quips, 'Oh, it's not even on safety,' prompting laughter. Western visitors are shown enjoying regional cuisine, dressing in traditional Afghan garb and receiving kind welcomes from the locals. The pictures aim to portray Afghanistan as a challenging yet hospitable destination. Influencers contribute to disputes American adult star Whitney Wright recently traveled to the country and shared pictures of herself there on Instagram in March, showing off her Afghan attire and holding a rifle at different tourist spots, The Daily Telegraph reported. A few Afghan citizens criticized the Taliban for permitting her visit while prohibiting local women from employment, education and participating in public life, the report added. 'This is fundamentally hypocritical,' one of them said. In spite of attempts to alter Afghanistan's worldwide perception, Western governments still warn against traveling to the nation. The US State Department issued a Level Four 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Afghanistan because of the risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. In 2021, the US embassy in Kabul closed, ending consular support for Americans who were there The UK Foreign Office also advises citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan, referencing continuing civil unrest. FAQs Is it safe for US tourists to visit Afghanistan in 2025? No. The US government currently advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Who is behind the viral Afghan tourism video inviting Americans? The video was shared on Taliban-linked social media accounts, though it was not officially released by the Taliban government. Have any American influencers actually visited Afghanistan recently? Yes. Influencers like Whitney Wright and Marian Abdi have visited and documented their trips, sparking controversy online. What is the current US travel advisory level for Afghanistan? The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Afghanistan, citing extreme security concerns.
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Afghans invite US tourists to visit four years on from fall of Kabul
Americans have been invited to visit Afghanistan as tourists in a promotional video shared on Taliban-linked social media accounts. In the clip, Afghans joked about the country's reputation for terrorism and encouraged US citizens to consider it as a holiday destination. It begins with five armed Afghan men standing behind three kneeling and hooded figures in a manner reminiscent of Islamic State hostage videos. 'We have one message for America,' an Afghan says to the camera. He then pulls the hood from one of the kneeling men, revealing a smiling Caucasian man who gives a thumbs-up and says: 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' The video then shows a man doing pull-ups from the barrel of a destroyed tank, and another swimming in a lake while carrying an assault rifle. In another segment, an M4 rifle is shown, stamped 'Property of US government'. 'Oh, it's not even on safety,' says someone off camera, triggering laughter from others. Western visitors are seen dining at a restaurant and wearing traditional Afghan clothes, before exploring the countryside and being warmly greeted by locals. The video was not officially released by the Taliban, however the group has made efforts to lure visitors and has hosted Western influencers to promote a positive image of the country. Whitney Wright, an American porn star, travelled to the country in March and documented her trip on Instagram. She was seen visiting tourist sights, wearing traditional dress and posing with a rifle. Some Afghan women criticised her visit, describing it as 'fundamentally hypocritical' of the Taliban, which has banned women from education, most jobs and many public places under its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Other influencer visitors included Marian Abdi, a US travel video blogger, who was criticised for allegedly glamorising the Taliban regime. Miles Routledge, a Briton who describes himself as 'the last Great British explorer who goes to the most extreme places on earth', has made multiple trips to the country and was detained by the Taliban for several months in 2023. Despite the Taliban's attempt to depict Afghanistan as a safe and welcoming country, the US government continues to advise against all travel to the country, citing a high risk of terrorism, crime, civil unrest and kidnapping. In 2021, the US embassy in Kabul suspended operations, limiting the ability of the US government to provide routine or emergency consular services. The current US travel advisory for Afghanistan remains at Level Four: Do Not Travel.
ABC News
30-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Travel influencers say they are helping the people of Afghanistan. Not everybody is so sure
Afghanistan has everything a tourist could want: stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine and unmatched hospitality. A land of rich history, invaded by empires but never conquered, left scattered with ornate mosques and ancient Buddhist sites. And it's also a place some say has become safer — less violent — than before the Taliban seized power again in 2021. Australian tour guide Paris Hailwood is one of them. "I know it's controversial, but the Taliban have been able to provide some security," she told the ABC on the eve of leading a 10-day, women-only tour of Afghanistan for women from North America and Europe. "The people causing trouble before are now the people in power. So it's within their own interest, really, to keep you safe." The Australian government categorically warns against visiting Afghanistan. "There are no Australian officials in Afghanistan, and our ability to provide consular and passport assistance is severely limited," says the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website. "Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping." The regional offshoot of the Islamic State group is at odds with the Taliban and routinely carries out terror attacks. Three Spanish tourists and three Afghans were killed at a Bamiyan market in a March 2024 attack claimed by Islamic State. That didn't deter American adult film performer Whitney Wright, who earlier this year promoted her visit to Afghanistan during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Nor did the threat of violence put off UK-based content creator Kieran Brown. "This is your sign to book that lads' trip to Afghanistan," a video on his Instagram page declares. "I would encourage travel there but only to experienced travellers that have their wits about them," he told the ABC via WhatsApp from Bali, where he is based. "A lot of the things you read online are exaggerated," Mr Brown said. "Although the people in Afghanistan have a tough life, it's not as bad as it's made out to be." Around 85 per cent of the population lives on less than $US1 per day, according to the United Nations. Travellers argue they are injecting much-needed cash into the Afghan economy and that the flow-on to the Taliban authorities is minimal. "My $80 visa fee isn't going to fund all those activities," Ms Hailwood said. "When I'm in the country and I'm paying the restaurants directly, the hotels directly, that's how I'm contributing to the society." Mr Brown said locals told him how grateful they were that he was in their country. "I may have contributed money to the Taliban by spending money in Afghanistan, but I also helped local businesses," he said. The Taliban recaptured Afghanistan's capital Kabul in 2021 and have since enforced laws to "prevent vice and promote virtue". Women have been banned from education, most jobs, and visiting public places such as parks — a situation the UN describes as "gender apartheid". Nasima Kakae once worked for Afghanistan's ministry of women's affairs — which was abolished and replaced by Taliban morality police in 2021. She now runs a travel agency in suburban Melbourne and volunteers as the secretary of Women for Change, a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering Afghan women. "The people who are travelling to Afghanistan — if they are YouTubers, if they are tourists — they are in the coordination of the Taliban, absolutely," she said. "They go to the beautiful hotels, they are escorted by the Taliban … have they knocked on the doors of a [shut-down] school? "Have you seen any of them go to a prison and see where those activist women are who have been arrested by Taliban years back?" Afghan women's advocates were opposed to moves whereby the international community might normalise the Taliban regime said Ayesha Khan, a senior research fellow in gender equality at London-based think tank ODI Global. "On the one hand, you appreciate the interest in engaging with another culture and seeing how people live and wanting to spend your foreign currency in a country that you know to be poor," Dr Khan said of those travelling to Afghanistan. "At the same time, the voyeurism of going to travel in a country that is experiencing gender apartheid is something that I would encourage tourists to ask themselves: why are they doing this?" The Australian NGO Mahboba's Promise has worked in Afghanistan for 26 years with vulnerable groups such as widows and orphans. "Oftentimes you see in these [travel] videos, you see all these kids surrounding these travellers laughing, smiling — and that's pure and real joy," said the organisation's vice president, Nawid Cina. "But what's the story behind these kids? Why are they outside? Why are they trying to shine your shoe?" It is estimated that there are more than 2 million widows and 1.5 million orphans in Afghanistan — many of whom lost spouses or parents during decades of armed conflict. Mr Cina said Taliban prohibitions on women working or leaving the home without a male guardian had led to an uptick in child labour, as boys sought to help support their families. According to UNICEF, less than half of Afghan children under 12 are attending primary school. "If you're coming to Afghanistan, you need to be showed this reality," Mr Cina said. Officials in Afghanistan reported that foreign tourist numbers increased from 691 in 2021 to 7,000 in 2023. Ms Hailwood said the Taliban were "very happy" about receiving Western visitors — and that tourist visas were granted almost immediately. "They definitely want foreigners there," she said. "I think for them, as well, it's about legitimising their power and legitimising that the Taliban are the new government. "And I think whether or not we like it, they are." No nation has formally recognised the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government since it returned to power. The Taliban's foreign ministry did not respond to the ABC's requests for comment. Dr Khan said there were many ways people could support income-generating activities in Afghanistan without visiting, such as channelling money to women's education and employment programs that are run from abroad. "That might be more constructive in the long run," she said.
ABC News
25-04-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Anzac Day marks traditional start for grain planting but this year it's a gamble
Farmers across Australia's southern states are nervously watching the skies and waiting for rain as Anzac Day marks the traditional start of sowing. Under consecutive years of drought, many South Australian grain producers have begun planting crops into bone dry soil. On the Eyre Peninsula, in the state's south-west, Whitney Wright started planting beans, lupins, and lentils on April 11 — a week earlier than normal. Like many SA grain growers she and her husband had always dry-sown their crops, and this year is no different as they wait for season-breaking rains. "Last year we were able to dig to a depth where we could get to some moisture, and other years we have been able to do that as well," Mrs Wright said. Whitney Wright hard at work on the tractor planting crops into dry soil. ( Supplied: Whitney Wright ) But she said there was no point trying to get the grain deep in the ground this year because there is no moisture in the soil. South Australia's 2024-'25 grain production was the lowest since 2008-'09 with an estimated 5.2 million tonnes — 43 per cent below the five-year average according to the state government. And in more bad news the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting below-average rainfall to continue for most of South Australia throughout May. Farmers 'hedge their bets' Grain Producers SA chief executive Brad Perry predicted about half of the state's crop will be dry sown, with many farmers starting crop planting last week. Others will "hedge their bets" and wait on the chance of late rain. Whitney Wright's seeding equipment cuts a dusty path through the paddock. ( Supplied: Whitney Wright ) "The challenge is that there's virtually no sub-soil moisture so it's a really different game when it comes to dry seeding this year in the drought." Mr Perry said. "We're not looking at a large amount of rain in the coming months. I think a lot of growers will end up forced to dry seed." Seeding crops into dry soils is not uncommon but is a big financial risk for farmers if it then fails to rain enough to germinate the plants. Mr Perry said farmers needed a soaking rain of about 30 millimetres of rain over seven days to be considered a "breaking rain". Without that he is worried for those growers facing consecutive years of drought. Some farmers have received no rain at all but will push ahead with dry sowing. ( ABC News: Timu King ) "There have been some regions now that are in two, three, four years of dry conditions in a row, and the struggle is real," Mr Perry said. "We've seen the banks not extending finance in some areas. We know of cases of farmers having to go into farm debt mediation already. "I think it's going to be a really tough time, not only for farm businesses and income but also for mental health and wellbeing. " We've got to do everything we can to try and help those in need, and if there's a second year of statewide drought it's going to be as tough as we've ever seen it. " Summer rain provides critical soil moisture Over the border in Victoria's far north-west at Millewa, farmer Dale Ramsay had some welcome rain a fortnight ago and is flat out sowing this year's crop. But he is keen for more rain to get the crops established. Millewa farmer Dale Ramsay has started sowing winter crops after some timely autumn rain. ( ABC News: Timu King ) "We've brought our seeding program forward a couple of weeks to match in with the germination and basically going as business as usual from that," he said. In his low rainfall region conserving soil moisture is critical. So when he got summer rain in November and December last year they had to spend additional money spraying out the weeds that germinated. "We had good summer rains coming into last [season] and this year is looking pretty similar," Mr Ramsey said. "We had half a years rainfall in November, pretty much topped up the subsoil from the previous year, and then with that recent 25mm we've been able to kick off our seeding program." Minyip grain farmer Ryan Milgate has decided to grow hay instead of canola this year because of the dry conditions. ( ABC News: Sean Warren ) Last year in Victoria winter crop production fell 31 per cent compared to the year before to 7.4 million tonnes, according to the ABARES Australian Crop Report. It was about 7 per cent below the 10-year average. In the Wimmera region, about 300km north-west of Melbourne, Ryan Milgate is taking a conservative approach to his cropping program this year. Moisture probes on his farm show very low moisture in the soil so he has decided to not plant canola which is a more risky and expensive crop in low rainfall years. Instead he will plant oats for hay — something that is in demand from livestock farmers when the season is dry. "Hay stocks are at a very low level, or will be by springtime this year, so I don't think hay is going to be a hard thing to sell going forward," he said. He has got his fingers crossed the forecast rain on Anzac Day will deliver a welcome soaking. "There's a bit about, it's still trying, so fingers crossed it tries a bit harder," Mr Milgate said. Despite the dry conditions Mr Milgate remained optimistic about the season ahead. "I'm hopeful, we're always hopeful. We're farmers, we're the eternal optimists." ABC Rural RoundUp newsletter Stories from farms and country towns across Australia, delivered each Friday. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
