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Kabul: A city of hope and fear

People in the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, talk about their hopes and fears for the future.

Kabul: A city of hope and fear
After 35 years of war, Kabul(***)s spirit appears unbreakable. In the past decade, Afghanistan(***)s capital has gone through massive changes. Not just the physical change of building, but in the mindset of the city(***)s inhabitants. King Zahir Shah(***)s Tomb in Kabul, 24 August 2012.

By John D McHugh

Published On 27 Sep 2012

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With the US set to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in 2014, filmmaker John D McHugh spent three weeks in Kabul speaking to people about their hopes and fears for the future.

Kabul: A city of hope and fear
This change is fragile, built on a foundation of western funding, and people know it could all collapse as quickly as it was built. Many people worry about what is going to happen after the US troops have left the country in 2014. Kabul, 16 August 2012.
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Kabul: A city of hope and fear
In the narrow streets of Kabul(***)s ancient birds market, memories of the Taliban(***)s rule are still strong. Kabul(***)s bird market, 23 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
Mohammad Naim, a 70-year-old rabab player, says: "We have had enough! Most people of Afghanistan are tired of the Taliban. People don(***)t want the Taliban to return."
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
But some at the bird market do not worry about a Taliban return or a civil war: "Whatever happens in the future, if the Taliban return or another lot take over, life will go on." Kabul(***)s ancient bird market, 23 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
Kabul sits on the old Silk Road and has been a trading city for thousands of years, but some of the business men are concerned as the economy is declining. Kabul(***)s ancient bird market, 23 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
A trader sells spices, and oil in recycled whiskey bottles, at Kabul(***)s ancient bird market, 23 August 2012.
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Kabul: A city of hope and fear
Skateistan is a NGO reaching out to the kids of Kabul regardless of social class, ethnicity or gender. And even here, the kids fear for their future. Bibi Maru Hill in Kabul, 23 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
Shar-I Now park is a playground at the heart of the city, but in two years time Kabulis will again watch a superpower leave. Much of the aid money will go with them - which could destroy the fragile Afghan economy. Shar-I Now park, 31 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
As for Kabul, whether the Taliban could actually retake the capital is still open to question, but most people here expect them to try. Shar-I Now park, 31 August 2012
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
With worsening security and a government losing legitimacy an all-out civil war is a very real threat. Shar-I Now park, 31 August 2012.
Kabul: A city of hope and fear
If that happens the progress that Kabul has made in the last decade could again be thrown into reverse - and this time it might never recover. King Zahir Shah(***)s Tomb in Kabul, 24 August 2012.