Latest news with #RazaAfghanistan
Euronews
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Terror to tourism? Hostage-style video invites visitors to Afghanistan
Two men kneel on the ground — hands seemingly bound behind their backs and heads covered with black plastic bags — as the armed men looming over them stare into the camera and issue a chilling demand. "Ciao Italia. If you want your two citizens safely back in Italy, you must send us $5 billion via bitcoin," the men wielding a rifle say in a video widely shared on X, including by many Taliban-linked accounts. The supposed hostage video takes a twist when the captors remove the black bags to reveal two smiling young men, give a thumbs-up and say: "Welcome to Afghanistan!" The rest of the 30-second clip — which is in fact a promotional video made by a tour agency — shows the visitors visiting communities with their Afghan hosts, playing with children, photographing nature, eating local food and trying on clothes at a market. A previous video produced by Raza Afghanistan follows the same template, but with an ominous "Message for America" threatened before the purported victims are revealed to be US tourists, and an ensuing montage shows them enjoying a tour of the country. The video further shows the men examining a US-made assault rifle, laughing that the safety is not on, eating large watermelons and their Afghan hosts doing pullups on the barrel of a tank gun, among other scenes. The social media stunts are reminiscent of hostage execution videos such as the 2002 beheading of US journalist Daniel Pearl in Pakistan and the 2014 decapitation of James Foley, also a reporter from the US, by the so-called Islamic State group in Syria. Reactions to Raza Afghanistan's videos on X have ranged from praise for the "great promotion and unique concept" to criticism over a lack of women in the footage and an unwillingness to visit a country where women's and girls' rights are so severely curtailed. In a recent post on Instagram, the tour agency's founder Yosaf Aryubi explained how he wanted to challenge stereotypes — and said he had "no affiliation with any government". "You also understand that the media and Hollywood painted the mountains of Afghanistan and those who protect them, to be merciless and wicked," wrote Aryubi, 28, who grew up in the US and now splits his time between California and Kabul. "Such a blessing to share experiences in the country I couldn't travel much in due to the situation during the 20-year occupation." Taliban eye tourism boom Nearly four years after seizing control of Afghanistan, the Taliban is increasingly eager to attract tourists to the country and boost revenue for the fledgling industry. Afghanistan's isolation on the global stage, largely because of the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls, has left much of its 41 million people mired in poverty. As it struggles to attract foreign investment, the potential of tourism is far from lost on the government. "The Afghan people are warm and welcoming and wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them," Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal said in an interview last month. "Tourism brings many benefits to a country. We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them," he added. Nearly 9,000 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan last year, while some 3,000 people arrived in the first three months of this year, according to the tourism ministry. Four decades of near-continuous conflict kept nearly all tourists away from the landlocked country of towering mountains, deep gorges and millennia of history. The Taliban's takeover from a US-backed government in August 2021 stunned the world and sent thousands of Afghans fleeing. While the previous bloodshed from frequent bombings and suicide attacks is largely over, sporadic attacks do still occur — as do kidnappings and detentions of foreigners. IS gunmen killed six people, including three Spanish tourists, in a May 2024 attack in Bamiyan, one of the country's main tourist attractions where centuries-old giant Buddhas carved into the cliffs were blown up by the Taliban in 2001. In February this year, a British couple in their 70s who ran education programmes in Afghanistan were arrested by the Taliban. In April, a Taliban interior ministry spokesperson said Peter and Barbie Reynolds were being investigated over a "small matter" and that they would soon face a court's judgement based on Islamic law. Meanwhile, George Glezmann, a US tourist who had been detained by the Taliban while visiting Kabul in 2022, was freed in March after being held for more than two years.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Time of India
'Welcome to Afghanistan': Viral tourism video sparks debate over Taliban-era travel
"Welcome to Afghanistan!" beams a grinning man, flashing a thumbs-up moments after his hood is pulled off in a scene that mimics a hostage situation. That striking moment sets the tone for a 50-second video making the rounds on social media—created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a Kabul-based tour agency aiming to recast the war-torn country as an offbeat, adventure-packed travel destination. The video, shared by Taliban-linked accounts, blends grim parody with scenic travel shots, attempting to challenge long-held global perceptions of Afghanistan. It begins with a faux hostage scenario: three people kneeling with bags over their heads, flanked by five armed men. One announces ominously, 'We have one message for America.' Then, abruptly, the narrative flips. A bag is yanked off to reveal a foreign man who cheerily exclaims, 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' What follows is a whirlwind montage that shows smiling armed men, striking peace signs, tourists doing pull-ups on abandoned military tanks and wading through rivers or diving into lakes with weapons in hand. One frame zooms in on a weapon marked 'Property of US Government,' prompting someone off-camera to joke, 'Oh, it's not even on safety,' triggering a burst of laughter. These scenes are juxtaposed with lighter, almost idyllic visuals: tourists in traditional Afghan clothing sampling local cuisine, sipping milkshakes by a riverside, and even a parrot perched on a diner's head. In one symbolic image, a flower peeks out from a gun barrel, offering a surreal blend of hospitality and hard power. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo All of it plays over sweeping shots of Afghanistan's dramatic mountains, lakes, and historical ruins. Read more: Coffee or Tea? A journey through India's 8 most scenic plantations Yosaf, who grew up in the US and now divides his time between California and Kabul, told The Independent that the video was intentionally designed to disrupt stereotypes. 'It mocks how most of the West sees Afghanistan and then shows a bit of the reality that our guests experience,' he said. According to him, the travellers featured, Americans and Canadians, were actual clients who had signed up for his adventure-focused tours. These packages, he explained, combine cultural immersion, visits to historical sites, and outdoor activities. Tourists experience everything from families living in caves to lush gardens, as well as traditional markets, schools, and ancient castles. Despite these efforts to polish Afghanistan's global image, Western governments remain unconvinced. The US State Department maintains a Level Four 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the country, citing terrorism, crime, and the high risk of kidnapping. The US Embassy in Kabul shut down operations in 2021, leaving American citizens without consular support. Read more: 8 years after visa expiry, Russian woman discovered living in Karnataka cave Yet, that hasn't stopped a niche group of thrill-seeking travellers—or even influencers, from venturing in. American adult star Whitney Wright recently visited Afghanistan and shared photos on Instagram in March. She posed in Afghan attire and held a rifle at various tourist spots, according to The Daily Telegraph. Her posts drew criticism from some Afghan citizens who condemned the Taliban for granting access to foreign women while banning local women from public life. 'This is fundamentally hypocritical,' one critic remarked. Tourism numbers, although modest, are rising. Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, arrivals reportedly increased from 691 in that year to 7,000 in 2023, as per the English daily. Still, many remain sceptical of the glossy rebrand. UK-based Afghan researcher Nazifa Haqpal told that life in the country remains 'dark, bleak and ugly.' Security experts also caution against casual tourism. Ross Thomson of Covac Global stressed that Afghanistan is still a high-risk destination, suitable only for seasoned travellers familiar with its volatile terrain and shifting political landscape. For now, the viral video serves as both a marketing gimmick and a conversation starter. Behind the smiles and scenic backdrops, it reflects a country in flux—balancing a desire for positive recognition with an undeniable, and deeply complicated, reality.
NDTV
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Welcome To Afghanistan": Video Invites US Tourists With Hostage Scene
A video posted to social media by Taliban-linked accounts attempts to rebrand Afghanistan as a tourist-friendly destination. It uses dark humour and a parody of hostage situations. The clip comes amid persistent warnings from the US government, which strongly advises its citizens against travelling to the country. The 50-second clip was created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Raza Afghanistan, a tour agency that offers travel packages to international visitors, according to The Independent. It opens with a scene that mimics a hostage scene. We see three people kneeling with bags over their heads, flanked by five armed men. 'We have one message for America,' one of the armed men announces. Instead of a grim outcome, the bag is pulled off to reveal a grinning man who exclaims, 'Welcome to Afghanistan,' flashing a thumbs-up to the camera. What follows is a montage of armed men smiling and striking peace signs, tourists using military tanks for pull-ups and people wading through rivers or leaping into lakes, all while carrying weapons. In one shot, the camera zooms in on a rifle labelled 'Property of US Government' as a man chuckles, noting, 'It's not even on safety.' The video quickly shifts to lighter scenes of locals and foreigners enjoying lavish meals, browsing digital menus, eating watermelons and sipping shakes by scenic rivers. A parrot perches on a diner's head, a flower is tucked into a gun barrel, and the stunning Afghan countryside is on full display. شاهد الرسالة القوية التي وجّهها شباب أفغانستان إلى الولايات المتحدة! #أفغانستان_بالعربي #افغانستان — أفغانستان بالعربي (@afghanarabc) July 5, 2025 Yosaf, who grew up in the US and now divides his time between California and Kabul, told The Independent that the video was meant to challenge Western perceptions. 'It mocks how most of the West sees Afghanistan and then shows a bit of the reality that our guests experience,' he said. He added that the tours combine cultural experiences, historical sites and adventure activities. Travellers get a glimpse of diverse lifestyles, from families living in caves to those with expansive gardens, and also explore ancient markets, schools and castles. According to Yosaf, the travellers featured in the video were Americans and Canadians who signed up for one of his tours. While the US State Department maintains that its citizens face a high risk of kidnapping and that the Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021, Yosaf insists his tours are safe. 'Getting around Afghanistan is an adventure in and of itself, but for those who are backpackers or want to swim and get to nice deep pockets of Afghanistan, then we do it,' he said. 'We assure the safety of guests by following government protocols and communicating their whereabouts at all times.' Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the regime has made efforts to reposition Afghanistan as a tourist destination. Tourist arrivals increased from 691 in 2021 to 7,000 in 2023, the English daily reported. But some argue the video whitewashes harsh realities under Taliban rule. UK-based Afghan researcher Nazifa Haqpal told that life in the country was 'dark, bleak and ugly'. Security experts like Ross Thomson of Covac Global warned that Afghanistan remains a high-risk destination, suitable only for experienced travellers familiar with its complex terrain and political landscape.
The Print
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Once anti-tech, Taliban is now media-savvy. A tongue-in-cheek video invites Americans to Afghanistan
The video, which has been uploaded on Raza Afghanistan's Instagram page, then pans out, showing a man doing pull-ups on the barrel of a rusted tank. Another swims across a lake with an assault rifle in hand. A rifle, still stamped 'Property of US Government', is examined casually as someone laughs off its unsecured safety switch. The 50-second video, produced by Yosaf Aryubi, the owner of a tour company, Raza Afghanistan, begins with a staged execution scene—an unsettling image of five armed Afghan men standing behind three kneeling, hooded figures who appear to have been abducted. Then, abruptly, the script flips. One hood is pulled off to reveal a grinning man, apparently a foreigner, who flashes a thumbs-up. 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' he exclaims. New Delhi: A promotional video circulating on Taliban-linked social media is grabbing international attention. A blend of dark humour, military imagery, and scenic landscapes, the video extends an unexpected and ironic invitation: Americans, come visit Afghanistan. Cutting between these vignettes is more traditional tourist fare, of foreigners dressed in Afghan clothing, sampling local cuisine, and receiving warm greetings from villagers. The message is clear: Afghanistan is rugged, raw, and open for tourism. The once anti-tech Taliban has long been using social media to change perspectives. Alongside the invitation video, social media influencers, including US adult film actress Whitney Wright and Somali-American content creator Marian Abdi, have shared their travel experiences in the country through their posts. But the messaging is a jarring contradiction—Afghanistan is presented as a nation safe for tourists while Afghan women remain barred from public life, higher education and employment. Speaking about the video, Raghav Sharma, Director, Centre for Afghanistan Studies at OP Jindal Global University, told ThePrint: 'This is more of a symbolic move aimed to shore up the Taliban's quest for external legitimacy. It makes for a rather jarring contrast with their lack of regard for forging domestic legitimacy and their atrocious track record on rights and freedoms, especially for women. American influencers including porn artists are welcomed but Afghan women find themselves stifled.' Sara Wahedi, founder of Civaam, a women-led civic platform in Afghanistan, said that 'although the Taliban has imposed a clear ban on TikTok, it turns a blind eye when it comes to tourism companies, who require Taliban approval to operate, promoting travel to the country'. 'There is no doubt that these tour guides are heavily monitored by the Taliban, permitting visits to historical sites and landscapes. Yet, in a dystopian sense, they are exchanging orientalist fascination for tourism—inviting travel to the 'other', Afghanistan—while fetishising a country where girls and women are systematically erased from society.' 'The invitation is clear: 'come see our country', but what you relinquish in return is the ability to fully acknowledge what is happening here,' she added. Also Read: 2 yrs of Taliban in Afghanistan — ways 'Taliban 2.0' is different, and not so different after all Taliban's social media outreach Post their takeover of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban have aggressively used platforms like X, Telegram, WhatsApp and YouTube to shape international perceptions. The promotional video is part of this increasingly sophisticated media campaign aimed at rebranding the nation under their rule. While they had banned the internet in their previous rule, the Taliban have seemingly turned into savvy users of social media. Even before reclaiming power in 2021, they had a strong online presence through platforms like the website Alemarah and used social media during the two-decade war with the US to spread their message and boost morale of cadres and supporters. As they advanced across Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban shared videos and photos of surrenders, territorial gains, and even light-hearted moments like eating ice cream as a way to portray themselves as a victorious, modern force. A July 2024 article published in East West Centre on the usage of social media by Taliban 2.0 notes that the Taliban are far more media-savvy than they were in the 1990s, with leaders like spokesperson Suhail Shaheen gaining hundreds of thousands of followers online. Despite these rebranding efforts, the US continues to advise against travel to Afghanistan. Its State Department maintains a level four 'do not travel' advisory for Afghanistan, citing terrorism, crime and the risk of abduction. Since the fall of Kabul in 2021 and suspension of operations at the American embassy there, US consular support is no longer available for its citizens. Social media influencers do, however, venture into the country, even as the line between independent creator and state propaganda is murky in Afghanistan. In 2023, when Afghan journalist-turned-YouTuber Hamed Latifee launched Afghanistan Streets, a channel offering viewers glimpses of daily life under Taliban rule, it highlighted humanitarian projects and development initiatives. Often, Latifee was joined by Rafiullah Ahmadzai, then a Kabul city official. But Latifee's rising profile didn't go unnoticed. In March 2024, the channel was taken down, part of a broader effort by YouTube to clamp down on Taliban-affiliated content following reporting by The Washington Post. According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, anyone launching a YouTube channel must obtain a permit of regulations from the previous government. The aim, he says, is to ensure content complies with Sharia, supports national interests, and avoids 'fake news'. In practice, that means if a YouTube channel is operating from inside Afghanistan, it's likely under Taliban oversight, and approval. The Walrus reported, citing an article in the Afghan newspaper Etilaatroz, that the Taliban are paying up to $190 per month to individuals to push government-friendly narratives and drown out dissent. As many as 90 online personalities may be involved in this effort, it said, adding that Mujahid denies this, saying content creators are motivated by patriotism, not paychecks. Still, the Taliban's digital footprint continues to grow. In 2022, Meta shut down the Facebook and Instagram pages of state-run agencies like Bakhtar News and Radio Television Afghanistan. WhatsApp followed suit in 2023, suspending accounts linked to Taliban officials. But enforcement is inconsistent, and platforms like X have proven more lenient. While the company claims to remove content glorifying violence or promoting hate speech, it does not automatically suspend pro-Taliban accounts. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Taliban rejects US peace deal 5 yrs after Kabul's fall. What this means for Afghan citizens, neighbours
Russia Today
11-07-2025
- Russia Today
Viral promo invites Americans to vacation in Afghanistan
A bizarre promotional video targeting American tourists and inviting them to travel to Afghanistan has been released by a local tour operator. The 50‑second clip opens with a mock hostage scenario before shifting to scenic lakes, rugged mountains, rifles, tanks, and outdoor meals. The video, published over the weekend by the Raza Afghanistan tourism agency, quickly went viral. Its release is said to have been timed to coincide with US Independence Day on July 4. The caption accompanying the post reads: 'The mountains of Afghanistan are ready and steady to host the most of,' and includes emojis of the US flag and a bald eagle. The opening scene is reminiscent of Taliban hostage execution videos, featuring three hooded figures kneeling as one fighter ominously declares: 'We have one message for America.' Then, one of the hoods is removed, revealing a smiling man who gives a thumbs‑up and says: 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' The tone abruptly shifts into a montage intercutting shots of tanks, pick‑up trucks carrying armed fighters, lakeside swims with assault rifles, and Western visitors tasting Afghan cuisine in colorful tents. One casually inspects a rifle marked 'Property of US Government,' quipping, 'It's not even on safety.' Публикация от Yosaf 🔻 (@iampocoloco) Earlier this month, Russia officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, becoming the first country in the world to establish formal diplomatic ties with the Islamist authorities in Kabul. Shortly after, media reports surfaced claiming that Russian tour companies had begun advertising trips to Taliban‑ruled Afghanistan, with week‑long packages priced at approximately 235,000 rubles ($3,000) and departures planned for mid‑July. However, Aleksan Mkrtchyan, vice president of the Alliance of Russian Travel Agencies, denied the claims, stating that package tours to the Islamic Emirate are impossible due to safety concerns. He acknowledged however, that individual travel arrangements are possible, provided that tourists accept full responsibility for their own safety.
