– Forbid dollars?
The IT man who helps us repair the unstable internet in the hotel we live in laughs and shakes his head at the latest Taliban invention.
– How are we going to get paid if we are not going to spend dollars?
After 20 years of US-led forces in the country, the dollar has become the most important currency in Afghanistan. In the border area with neighboring countries, such as Pakistan, other currencies are also in use.
Winter is at the door
On the outskirts of Kabul, farmers continue to harvest gandana. On the way it is hot in the middle of the day. But this crop of vegetables with a characteristic garlic-like taste, is the last before winter.
– MORE EXPENSIVE: Farmers are paid less, while goods such as flour and cooking oil become more expensive.
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Squatting in the field is also eight-year-old Camel. He cuts the gandana with knowledgeable hands, almost as fast as Dad Babarak has taught him.
– When I grow up, I will also be a Gandana farmer, just like my dad, he answers the question about future plans.
– LAST HARVEST: Camels help with the last harvest before winter.
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– Has life gotten worse or better since the Taliban took power?
– We are safe now, tell the farmer Babarak, without taking a break from work. In that sense, we are doing well, he adds. But there is no work to be found.
– If we make money under the Taliban, it’s good.
Have billions on the books
In foreign banks, as much as NOK 80 billion is from the previous government. But the money is out of the Taliban’s reach.
After two and a half months, no country in the world has yet recognized the new regime in Afghanistan.
– SAFER: Many Afghans believe the country has become safer under the Taliban, but recently IS in Afghanistan has carried out several bloody attacks.
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To strengthen the local currency, the Taliban decided on Tuesday this week that it is no longer allowed to use foreign currency in the country. Anyone who does so risks prosecution.
Blames the United States
Afghanistan’s economy has plummeted after the Taliban surprised the world by seizing power in August this year – almost 20 years after the Islamist movement was ousted.
The money crisis has catastrophic consequences for people. The queue outside the banks stretches hundreds of meters, all before dawn.
Only the luckiest get a queue ticket, but the payout is limited to a minimum amount every week.
– MONEY EXCHANGER: Outside one of the banks in Kabul sits Rajab Ali exchanging dollars for the local currency afghani.
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The lucky ones get out dollars, which are immediately exchanged by money changers outside.
– This is the USA’s fault, complains an angry man outside the bank. – It is Afghanistan’s money, and the country must have immediate access to it.
– PRICE: Larger dollar bills offer better exchange rates than small ones.
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An elderly man despairs that the queue in the morning starts so early. I live far away and have to go here. I never made it.
– HATE: – I hate Joe Biden for what he has done to us, says this man.
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He pulls up his trouser leg and shows us a wound on his leg.
– Look here, says the man and points. – I was bitten by one of the Americans’ dogs. It will not heal. How do I get money for medicine?
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A battle for money
At the bazaar, or street market in Makrorayan, TV 2 meets the father of seven Feroz, with his empty wheelbarrow.
– WHEELING ASSISTANCE: Feroz makes money from rolling goods for people.
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Fewer than before have money to shop for. And less trade means less work for Feroz, who makes a living from delivering and transporting goods for people.
– I have worked a whole day, and only lit three kroner, he says to TV 2. Three kroner in a whole day!
– What can I buy with so little? Food? Medicines for children?
– How has the Taliban regime affected you?
Before it was good, I could earn 15-20 kroner a day, maybe more. But after the Taliban took over, I never earn more than ten kroner a day.
– I have six daughters and a boy. How do they think I can manage to support nine people, he asks in despair.
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The interview with TV 2 has led to a crowd of beggars – many children, some old and a woman in a blue burka – have gathered around us.
The traditional Afghan costume we use to make it easier to work safely on the street has long been seen.
– Please, can I have some money?
Our interpreter gives in and finds a couple of Afghan banknotes.
Immediately more beggars are in place. They drag us in our clothes, quarrel and fight with each other for money.
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– Let it go, shouts a woman in the blue burka.
– You tear it to pieces, you crazy boy!
– Look, now it’s destroyed!
– Can I have a new one?
