Frontline World Season 6 Episode 4 Afghanistan: The Other War

Afghanistan: The Other War is the fourth episode of the sixth season of Frontline/World, a documentary series that explores international news stories and human-interest features. In this episode, correspondent Najibullah Quraishi takes viewers on a journey through the complexities of the war in Afghanistan, beyond the headlines and military strategies.

Throughout the episode, Quraishi provides an intimate look at the lives of civilians caught in the middle of the conflict, especially those living in rural areas where insurgent groups hold sway. He interviews farmers, families, and community leaders who struggle to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst the ongoing violence.

One of the main themes of the episode is the relationship between the Afghan people and foreign forces. Quraishi speaks with Afghans who have mixed feelings about the presence of American and NATO troops in their country. Some see them as a necessary force for stability and security, while others view them as unwanted invaders who are exacerbating the situation.

Quraishi also delves into the role of the Taliban in the conflict, exploring the group's tactics and motivations through interviews with former members and experts. He reveals how the insurgency has adapted to the changing political and military landscape in Afghanistan, particularly after the death of Osama bin Laden.

Another focus of the episode is the impact of the war on Afghan women, who have faced a host of challenges and abuses since the Taliban was ousted from power in 2001. Quraishi speaks with female journalists and activists who are fighting for gender equality, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who have little recourse for justice in a patriarchal society.

Overall, Afghanistan: The Other War offers a nuanced and humanizing perspective on the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. By highlighting the experiences of ordinary Afghans, the episode underscores the complexities and contradictions of a war that has dragged on for nearly two decades.