Unbelievable Photos Show Kabul's Dramatic Transformation From Battlefield To Modern Metropolis

[Daedalus]

Much has happened in Afghanistan since the first American boots set foot on the ground in October 2001.


With the Taliban in power prior to the war, Afghanistan had one of the worst human rights records in the world, especially in its treatment of women. But a decade later, the change is evident in the country's largest city of Kabul, home to 3.6 million people.

While the U.S. was successful in its initial defeat of the Taliban and Al Qaeda, many problems still remain — including serious security concerns in outlying provinces — but the change in Kabul is rather striking.

Present-day Kabul looks much like any other city in the world, with the exception of different styles of dress and language. Men and women talk openly in public, electronics and computers have become commonplace, and even western haircuts and clothing styles have become the new norm.

This scene could be from any Western mall ...

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/kabul-present-day-2014-3?op=1#ixzz2xQQwcUkc
... filled with stores and modern-day amenities ...

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/kabul-present-day-2014-3?op=1#ixzz2xQR7P4V0
... but this one is not in the West. It's in Kabul, a city transformed from war-torn to almost cosmopolitan.

They've played soccer in places ...

... once reserved only for public executions.

Or now compete in once-banned sports.

And art institutes have been created.

Kabul's Dramatic Transformation From Battlefield To Modern Metropolis - Business Insider

 

[45'22']

@Sher Malang you guys are doing good

 

[Bombaywalla]

It's beautiful to see Afghan women playing sport, and going about their daily lives as women would anywhere else in the world. More power to them.

 

[Shah9]

Wait and see what happens next year lol

 

[Juice]

View attachment 22671
Much has happened in Afghanistan since the first American boots set foot on the ground in October 2001.


With the Taliban in power prior to the war, Afghanistan had one of the worst human rights records in the world, especially in its treatment of women. But a decade later, the change is evident in the country's largest city of Kabul, home to 3.6 million people.

While the U.S. was successful in its initial defeat of the Taliban and Al Qaeda, many problems still remain — including serious security concerns in outlying provinces — but the change in Kabul is rather striking.

Present-day Kabul looks much like any other city in the world, with the exception of different styles of dress and language. Men and women talk openly in public, electronics and computers have become commonplace, and even western haircuts and clothing styles have become the new norm.

This scene could be from any Western mall ...

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/kabul-present-day-2014-3?op=1#ixzz2xQQwcUkcView attachment 22672
... filled with stores and modern-day amenities ...

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/kabul-present-day-2014-3?op=1#ixzz2xQR7P4V0View attachment 22673
... but this one is not in the West. It's in Kabul, a city transformed from war-torn to almost cosmopolitan.
View attachment 22674
They've played soccer in places ...
View attachment 22675
... once reserved only for public executions.View attachment 22676

Or now compete in once-banned sports.
View attachment 22677
And art institutes have been created.
View attachment 22678
Kabul's Dramatic Transformation From Battlefield To Modern Metropolis - Business Insider

Despite the news-worthiness of violence that happens there....it is actually safer than many large cities.

Wait and see what happens next year lol

I thought Iran wasn't a major fan of the Taliban. As a matter of fact, considering the US destroyed Iran's enemies on both borders....I have often entertained the conspiracy theory that the US and Iran still had some weird agreement.

 

[Shah9]

I thought Iran wasn't a major fan of the Taliban. As a matter of fact, considering the US destroyed Iran's enemies on both borders....I have often entertained the conspiracy theory that the US and Iran still had some weird agreement.

I never said I supported the Taliban. Yes it's true Iran helped the US pushed the Taliban into rural regions. Still there are doubts whether the Afghan government would hold the country with less NATO presence next year.

 

[GR!FF!N]

I never said I supported the Taliban. Yes it's true Iran helped the US pushed the Taliban into rural regions. Still there are doubts whether the Afghan government would hold the country with less NATO presence next year.

actually,if Af secure required funds,they're sure going to hold it.its not possible for Taliban to mount large scale offensive against ANA like they mounted in mid 90s against the then Mujahidin soldiers.Afghanistan now has International Community's attention.any kind of "Offensive" will only help them secure heavy weapons and other arms assistance from neighbouring countries.

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Afghanistan need to concentrate on rural regions. Or else the Taliban will gain sympathy. And time is less.