New masters, new friends

Yesterday enemies, today friends: the transition from the old order in Afghanistan to the new order is surprisingly seamless in some respects. The Taliban will enforce their order, but they also portray themselves as benevolent: In the image above, a patrol through the city, two soldiers from the old army (wearing attractive Desert Tiger Stripe pants), along with a Taliban member. Interestingly, the Taliban member is carrying an American M4A1 with an EOTech sight, a handsome Plate Carrier included, while the others have been given Kalashnikovs. Even weapons serve as status symbols.

We are aware, of course, that the Taliban will brutally establish their order, crush resistance, eliminate enemies, and banish women from the streets. Nevertheless, there are intriguing videos coming out of Kabul. In an amusement park, some Taliban members are enjoying a carousel ride, while others elsewhere have discovered a trampoline...

The new rulers have taken up positions on the streets and are receiving flowers as gifts.

The need for peace and order seems to be important to the Taliban. The police in Kabul is meant to function, and overnight looters were also arrested who wanted to take advantage of the situation. Also interesting is this video: someone wants to fire shots into the air in a traditional way to express joy, but a Taliban member rushes over and stops him with a slap. They know that shooting at that moment could also cause panic.

Of course, this is just one side shown in somewhat arbitrary videos... Other images from the city show that life goes on. The situation at the airport is said to be under control, and evacuations continue from there.

Elsewhere, the Taliban are being celebrated.