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I have been to Afghanistan under Americans. How is it now? hakkimsaadi
As of mid-2024, the security situation in Afghanistan is complex and remains highly volatile and dangerous. Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, the nature of threats has evolved but not diminished.
Overall Control and Persistent Threats:
The Taliban regime maintains firm control over most of the country's territory and has significantly reduced large-scale, nation-wide combat. However, this surface-level stability is fragile. The primary security threats now stem from:
Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K): This ISIS affiliate remains the most potent and violent threat. It actively conducts devastating attacks, primarily targeting Taliban personnel and checkpoints, but also civilian areas. Its attacks frequently focus on Shia-Muslim and Sufi minorities, as well as crowded places like markets, mosques, and diplomatic zones, demonstrating a continued capability to strike at the heart of Kabul and other cities.
Internal Taliban Tensions: The Taliban is not a monolith. Factions and tensions exist between the pragmatic political wing in Kabul and more hardline, ideological fighters on the ground. This can lead to unpredictable enforcement of laws and occasional internal conflicts.
Crime and Lawlessness: With the collapse of the former government's security apparatus, law and order are unevenly enforced. Kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and banditry are widespread and significant threats to Afghans and foreigners alike. The Taliban's ability to effectively police the entire country is limited.
Specific Risk Groups:
For Foreigners/Westerners: The risk of kidnapping and terrorist attack is extremely high. IS-K explicitly views foreign nationals and interests as high-value targets. All travel to Afghanistan is strongly discouraged by most governments.
For Afghan Civilians: The security picture is mixed. While many areas no longer experience front-line fighting, the threat from IS-K bombings is severe for those in urban areas. Furthermore, the Taliban's harsh interpretation of Sharia law itself constitutes a human security threat, particularly for women, girls, former government officials, and security personnel.
In summary: While full-scale war has ended, Afghanistan is not safe. The threat from terrorism, particularly from IS-K, is severe and indiscriminate. The country remains under a regime that imposes severe human rights restrictions, and widespread crime adds another layer of danger. The situation is unpredictable and can deteriorate with little warning.
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Is it now safe to go to Afghanistan as a tourist? arbenfisnik
The security environment remains extremely volatile and unpredictable. There is a very high threat of terrorism, kidnap, and armed conflict. Attacks can occur anywhere and at any time, including in major cities like Kabul and at common tourist sites. Numerous foreign governments, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, explicitly advise against all travel to Afghanistan.
While the country possesses incredible historical and cultural treasures, the risks currently far outweigh any potential rewards. Essential infrastructure and emergency services for foreigners are extremely limited. There is no functioning embassy or consular support for most Western nationals, meaning you would be entirely on your own in a crisis.
For these reasons, the overwhelming consensus from security experts and government agencies is that Afghanistan cannot be considered a safe destination for tourist travel at this time.
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What are top businesses in Herat?
afghanistan_1
Herat, as Afghanistan's major western hub and a key trade gateway to Iran and Turkmenistan, has a distinct economic profile. Its businesses are heavily influenced by cross-border trade, agriculture, and light industry.
Identifying the "top" businesses can be measured by turnover, economic impact, and employment. Here are the leading business sectors and examples of key players in Herat:
1. Cross-Border Trade & Logistics
This is the heart of Herat's economy. The Islam Qala border crossing with Iran is one of the most important in Afghanistan.
Major Trading Companies: Numerous large family-owned conglomerates dominate the import and export scene. They often don't have a single famous brand name but operate under the names of their owners or are simply well-known within business circles.
Imports: They bring in a massive volume of goods from Iran, Turkey, China, and the UAE, including construction materials (cement, rebar, glass), fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG), food items (cooking oil, flour, tea, packaged foods), and consumer goods (electronics, textiles, vehicles).
Exports: They export dried fruits (especially raisins), nuts (pistachios), spices (saffron, *****), fresh fruit (melons, grapes), and carpets to regional markets.
Logistics and Transportation: A huge network of trucking companies, freight forwarders, and customs clearance agencies supports this trade.
2. Agriculture and Agro-Processing
Herat is known as the country's breadbasket due to its fertile plains.
Saffron Production: Herat is world-famous for its high-quality saffron. This is a major export product, and numerous local cooperatives and private companies (e.g., Rahnama Saffron) are involved in its cultivation, processing, and export.
Raisin and Nut Processing: There are many facilities that wash, sort, and package raisins and pistachios for both domestic sale and export.
Food Processing: Smaller factories produce cooking oil, flour, and pasta.
3. Manufacturing and Light Industry
Herat has a more developed industrial base compared to other Afghan provinces.
Cement Production: Ghori Cement (based in Baghlan but significant nationwide presence) has a major market in Herat, but Herat also has local cement production facilities catering to the construction boom.
Marble and Stone Processing: Herat Province has rich marble quarries. Factories in and around the city cut, polish, and tile marble for construction, a significant domestic industry.
Textiles: While diminished, there is still a tradition of textile production, including cotton processing and carpet weaving. Herati carpets are renowned.
Metalworks: Small and medium-sized workshops manufacture doors, window frames, and basic household goods.
4. Construction and Real Estate
As a growing urban center, Herat has a vibrant construction sector.
Construction Companies: Local firms are engaged in building residential complexes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Materials Production: This includes concrete block factories, brick kilns, and plants producing pre-fabricated structures, all feeding the construction boom.
5. Services Sector
Banking: Major Afghan banks like Bank-e-Milli, Azizi Bank, and Maiwand Bank have a strong presence in Herat to serve the commercial needs of traders and businesses.
Telecommunications: MTN and Roshan are the leading mobile network operators, providing critical communication services.
Key Context for Herat's Economy:
The Iran Connection: Herat's economy is inextricably linked to Iran. The Iranian Rial is commonly used, and economic conditions in Iran directly affect Herat (e.g., sanctions, currency fluctuation). This relationship provides opportunities but also creates dependency and vulnerability.
Energy Imports: A significant portion of Herat's (and Afghanistan's) electricity is imported from Turkmenistan and Iran, making power supply a key concern for businesses.
Informal Economy: As with all of Afghanistan, a large part of trade and commerce is informal and not captured in official records.
Agriculture Dependency: The economy is still highly reliant on agriculture, making it vulnerable to droughts and water shortages.
In summary, the "top businesses" in Herat are not always single, easily named corporations but often powerful trading houses that dominate cross-border commerce, complemented by a strong base in agro-processing (saffron, raisins) and light industry (marble, cement).
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What are the biggest (turnover) companies in Kabul, AF?
Identifying the largest companies by turnover in Kabul is challenging due to the significant changes in the economy since August 2021 and the general lack of transparent, publicly available financial data. The private sector is dominated by import/export, services, and construction, rather than large-scale industrial manufacturing.
Based on industry analysis, reports from international bodies like the World Bank, and local business intelligence, the largest companies by turnover in Kabul typically fall into the following sectors:
1. Telecommunications
This is arguably the most profitable and formal sector in the country.
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd.): Historically one of the largest private investors and taxpayers. Partly owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED).
MTN Afghanistan: The other telecom giant, a subsidiary of the multinational MTN Group. Along with Roshan, it dominates the mobile voice and data market.
Afghan Wireless (AWCC): The country's first wireless communications company. While its market share has been contested by Roshan and MTN, it remains a major player.
2. Banking & Financial Services
The banking sector has undergone significant consolidation but key players remain.
Bank-e-Milli Afghan (Afghan National Bank): One of the oldest and largest state-owned banks, handling government transactions and commercial banking.
New Kabul Bank: After the collapse of Kabul Bank in the 2010s, this is a major re-structured entity.
Azizi Bank: A significant private commercial bank with a wide network.
Other notable banks: Afghan United Bank, Maiwand Bank, and Ghazanfar Bank are also key players in the commercial landscape.
3. Import & Distribution Conglomerates
Many of the largest businesses are family-owned conglomerates that import essential goods. Their turnover is massive but not publicly disclosed. They often have diverse portfolios.
Group of Companies: Many operate under names like "Ghazanfar," "Alokozay," "Hassan," "Salam," or "Noor" (note: these are often group names, not single companies). They are involved in:
Fuel & Gas: Importing and distributing petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and diesel. This is a huge market.
Food & Beverages: Importing cooking oil, flour, rice, tea, and bottled water. Some have local bottling plants for soft drinks.
Construction Materials: Importing cement, steel, glass, and other building supplies.
Example: Alokozay Group is a massive multinational with deep roots in Afghanistan, involved in tea, beverages, mineral water, and petroleum products.
4. Construction & Engineering
With ongoing (though reduced) development projects, several large construction firms are active.
Ministry of Public Works (state-owned) handles large infrastructure contracts, which are often sub-contracted to private firms.
Major Private Contractors: Companies like KEC (Khawar Engineering Construction) and others have been involved in building roads, bridges, and government buildings. Identifying a single largest is difficult as they often work in consortia.
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What are difficulties to run a business in Afghanistan?
The major obstacles to business in Afghanistan are profound and interconnected:
1. Banking & Financial Crisis: International sanctions have severed the economy from the global financial system, making cross-border transactions nearly impossible. Limited access to credit and widespread liquidity issues cripple operations and investment.
2. Lack of Recognition & Sanctions: The Taliban government's lack of international recognition triggers severe sanctions, deterring foreign investment and freezing billions in central bank assets, starving the economy of capital.
3. Political Instability & Security: Despite a reduction in large-scale conflict, the uncertain political environment and persistent security threats from groups like ISIS-K create high risk, discouraging both local and foreign enterprise.
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How is business developing in Afghanistan?
Despite significant challenges, business in Afghanistan is adapting. A focus on regional trade and local production is growing, with new opportunities in mining, agriculture, and textiles. Domestic entrepreneurs are demonstrating remarkable resilience, finding ways to operate within the new economic reality. Cross-border commerce with Central Asian nations is a particular bright spot, fostering a budding sense of economic stability. While international investment remains limited, internal markets are active, and the private sector continues to be a vital source of employment and ingenuity for the Afghan people.
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How is life now in Afghanistan?
Life in Afghanistan is a story of resilience and hope. Many communities are working to rebuild and find stability under changed circumstances. While challenges exist, there is a noticeable improvement in security in many parts of the country, allowing daily life and commerce to continue. The rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community remain central to the Afghan spirit. Families persevere with determination, focusing on their livelihoods and the well-being of their children, fostering optimism for a peaceful future.