Latest news with #Yosaf
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
'Welcome to Afghanistan': Viral tourism video sparks debate over Taliban-era travel
"Welcome to Afghanistan!" beams a grinning man, flashing a thumbs-up moments after his hood is pulled off in a scene that mimics a hostage situation. That striking moment sets the tone for a 50-second video making the rounds on social media—created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a Kabul-based tour agency aiming to recast the war-torn country as an offbeat, adventure-packed travel destination. The video, shared by Taliban-linked accounts, blends grim parody with scenic travel shots, attempting to challenge long-held global perceptions of Afghanistan. It begins with a faux hostage scenario: three people kneeling with bags over their heads, flanked by five armed men. One announces ominously, 'We have one message for America.' Then, abruptly, the narrative flips. A bag is yanked off to reveal a foreign man who cheerily exclaims, 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' What follows is a whirlwind montage that shows smiling armed men, striking peace signs, tourists doing pull-ups on abandoned military tanks and wading through rivers or diving into lakes with weapons in hand. One frame zooms in on a weapon marked 'Property of US Government,' prompting someone off-camera to joke, 'Oh, it's not even on safety,' triggering a burst of laughter. These scenes are juxtaposed with lighter, almost idyllic visuals: tourists in traditional Afghan clothing sampling local cuisine, sipping milkshakes by a riverside, and even a parrot perched on a diner's head. In one symbolic image, a flower peeks out from a gun barrel, offering a surreal blend of hospitality and hard power. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo All of it plays over sweeping shots of Afghanistan's dramatic mountains, lakes, and historical ruins. Read more: Coffee or Tea? A journey through India's 8 most scenic plantations Yosaf, who grew up in the US and now divides his time between California and Kabul, told The Independent that the video was intentionally designed to disrupt stereotypes. 'It mocks how most of the West sees Afghanistan and then shows a bit of the reality that our guests experience,' he said. According to him, the travellers featured, Americans and Canadians, were actual clients who had signed up for his adventure-focused tours. These packages, he explained, combine cultural immersion, visits to historical sites, and outdoor activities. Tourists experience everything from families living in caves to lush gardens, as well as traditional markets, schools, and ancient castles. Despite these efforts to polish Afghanistan's global image, Western governments remain unconvinced. The US State Department maintains a Level Four 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the country, citing terrorism, crime, and the high risk of kidnapping. The US Embassy in Kabul shut down operations in 2021, leaving American citizens without consular support. Read more: 8 years after visa expiry, Russian woman discovered living in Karnataka cave Yet, that hasn't stopped a niche group of thrill-seeking travellers—or even influencers, from venturing in. American adult star Whitney Wright recently visited Afghanistan and shared photos on Instagram in March. She posed in Afghan attire and held a rifle at various tourist spots, according to The Daily Telegraph. Her posts drew criticism from some Afghan citizens who condemned the Taliban for granting access to foreign women while banning local women from public life. 'This is fundamentally hypocritical,' one critic remarked. Tourism numbers, although modest, are rising. Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, arrivals reportedly increased from 691 in that year to 7,000 in 2023, as per the English daily. Still, many remain sceptical of the glossy rebrand. UK-based Afghan researcher Nazifa Haqpal told that life in the country remains 'dark, bleak and ugly.' Security experts also caution against casual tourism. Ross Thomson of Covac Global stressed that Afghanistan is still a high-risk destination, suitable only for seasoned travellers familiar with its volatile terrain and shifting political landscape. For now, the viral video serves as both a marketing gimmick and a conversation starter. Behind the smiles and scenic backdrops, it reflects a country in flux—balancing a desire for positive recognition with an undeniable, and deeply complicated, reality.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Welcome To Afghanistan": Video Invites US Tourists With Hostage Scene
A video posted to social media by Taliban-linked accounts attempts to rebrand Afghanistan as a tourist-friendly destination. It uses dark humour and a parody of hostage situations. The clip comes amid persistent warnings from the US government, which strongly advises its citizens against travelling to the country. The 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It opens with a scene that mimics a hostage scene. We see three people kneeling with bags over their heads, flanked by five armed men. 'We have one message for America,' one of the armed men announces. Instead of a grim outcome, the bag is pulled off to reveal a grinning man who exclaims, 'Welcome to Afghanistan,' flashing a thumbs-up to the camera. What follows is a montage of armed men smiling and striking peace signs, tourists using military tanks for pull-ups and people wading through rivers or leaping into lakes, all while carrying weapons. In one shot, the camera zooms in on a rifle labelled 'Property of US Government' as a man chuckles, noting, 'It's not even on safety.' The video quickly shifts to lighter scenes of locals and foreigners enjoying lavish meals, browsing digital menus, eating watermelons and sipping shakes by scenic rivers. A parrot perches on a diner's head, a flower is tucked into a gun barrel, and the stunning Afghan countryside is on full display. شاهد الرسالة القوية التي وجّهها شباب أفغانستان إلى الولايات المتحدة! #أفغانستان_بالعربي #افغانستان — أفغانستان بالعربي (@afghanarabc) July 5, 2025 Yosaf, who grew up in the US and now divides his time between California and Kabul, told The Independent that the video was meant to challenge Western perceptions. 'It mocks how most of the West sees Afghanistan and then shows a bit of the reality that our guests experience,' he said. He added that the tours combine cultural experiences, historical sites and adventure activities. Travellers get a glimpse of diverse lifestyles, from families living in caves to those with expansive gardens, and also explore ancient markets, schools and castles. According to Yosaf, the travellers featured in the video were Americans and Canadians who signed up for one of his tours. While the US State Department maintains that its citizens face a high risk of kidnapping and that the Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021, Yosaf insists his tours are safe. 'Getting around Afghanistan is an adventure in and of itself, but for those who are backpackers or want to swim and get to nice deep pockets of Afghanistan, then we do it,' he said. 'We assure the safety of guests by following government protocols and communicating their whereabouts at all times.' Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the regime has made efforts to reposition Afghanistan as a tourist destination. Tourist arrivals increased from 691 in 2021 to 7,000 in 2023, the English daily reported. But some argue the video whitewashes harsh realities under Taliban rule. UK-based Afghan researcher Nazifa Haqpal told that life in the country was 'dark, bleak and ugly'. Security experts like Ross Thomson of Covac Global warned that Afghanistan remains a high-risk destination, suitable only for experienced travellers familiar with its complex terrain and political landscape.
