In Afghanistan, the Taliban's stranglehold, captured in Hashem Shakeri's photos

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the situation for foreign journalists has become increasingly restrictive, with stringent visa requirements imposed by Afghan authorities. Journalists must now submit detailed plans of their intended coverage before being granted permission to enter the country, making it difficult for many to report on the ongoing crisis. Despite these challenges, Iranian photographer Hashem Shakeri has successfully traveled to Afghanistan multiple times until 2023, capturing the struggles of the Afghan people through his lens. Shakeri's photographic work, titled 'Staring into the Abyss,' highlights the despair and hopelessness faced by many Afghans, particularly the youth who are deprived of opportunities and freedom. His images reflect the trauma inflicted by decades of conflict, as well as the cultural and linguistic ties between Iran and Afghanistan that facilitated his interactions with the locals. He spent significant time with those he photographed, listening to their stories and documenting their experiences. Among those he met was a young woman who, after the Taliban's rise to power, was forced to abandon her university aspirations. She chose to teach in underground schools for girls, risking her safety to provide education. Eventually, she secured a scholarship to study in Bangladesh, expressing her feelings of hopelessness about remaining in Afghanistan. Another woman, a journalism student, faced arrest for protesting against the Taliban's oppressive laws. After enduring over 40 days in prison, she fled to Pakistan, where she continues to advocate for women's rights. The pervasive fear and despair under Taliban rule affect all Afghans, including men from the marginalized Hazara community, who live in constant fear of persecution.