Chaos at Kabul Airport: –

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– We were very scared and realized that a small mistake could lead to fatal consequences, both for us and the civilian population around us. I tried to make contact with the soldiers, but one of them just gave us a thumbs up and looked at us with a weapon in his hand. Then he disappeared. We realized that we had to get out of the situation as soon as possible, says Markhus.

The Afghanistan Committee’s country director, Terje Watterdal, is also disappointed with the organization.

– We were asked to walk carefully towards the large gate and people started pushing from behind in the hope that the gate would be opened for us. Then even more people came and there was chaos. The two Americans at the top flirted and laughed and were quite disgusting. If that is how they have waged this war, it is no wonder they have lost, says Watterdal, before praising the Norwegian military forces’ efforts to get them evacuated.

– Never been so humiliated

– Put our lives in danger

Markhus, Watterdal and the other internationals who were to be evacuated on Tuesday are back in safety in their houses in Kabul. But they are shocked by the lack of information about the situation at the airport.

– I can only question how we can be so misinformed. How can the Americans, who have the main responsibility for the security and operation of the military airport, have control if they are unable to gather correct information about what is happening outside, only meters from where they themselves are? Ask Markhus and continue:

– The Americans are responsible for this evacuation, which now has the eyes of the world on it. It is a humanitarian crisis, and they reported mistakes and put our lives in danger yesterday afternoon, Markhus says.

–

They are safe in the capital, Kabul.

– It is unbelievable to say this, but the most polite we met yesterday was actually the Taliban at the checkpoints. We were in a traffic queue with Taliban soldiers next to us. So far they have been calm and have behaved ok towards international organizations, says the 30-year-old and adds:

– But we know that it can turn around.

Do not know the number of Norwegians in Afghanistan

Quiet capital

Markhus has worked for the American organization Ascend Athletics the last two years. With the exception of the chaos outside the airport in Kabul on Tuesday, she has always felt safe and well taken care of.

– I understand that a lot is confusing now, and I know that the Norwegians inside are working hard to find good solutions for us. This is not a criticism of them, but of those in charge. The Americans, says Markhus.

Like the rest of Afghanistan’s population, she is now furiously wondering what awaits the Taliban in power.

–

– There have been reports that they have not behaved well towards girls in the countryside. But what we are experiencing here in Kabul after it was announced on August 15 that the Taliban also took over the capital, is that everything has been calm and controlled, she says.

Generation of educated women

As country director at Ascend, Markhus works with young girls as she organizes training in climbing, outdoor life and women’s health. We also work with mental health and building self-esteem and self-confidence to strengthen the position of women in society.

– We have been on fantastic mountain hikes, I have been invited to their homes, eaten delicious Afghan food and never been afraid. We are very concerned about what will happen to the Taliban in power. Afghanistan can potentially go back several decades in time, says Markhus.

–

She thinks a bit and adds:

– As of now, international authorities can not ignore the Taliban. They are in control and are out on the streets. I passed their checkpoints and they are aware of the work and presence we foreigners do and have here now. It went well yesterday. This can change quickly, but now it’s about getting the panic situation under control. Then one must accept that it is the Taliban who have the power now, she says and points out that one must now avoid panicked solutions like at the airport yesterday.

– Then one can risk life, she says.

In anticipation of being evacuated from Afghanistan, Markhus spends his time working to ensure that the organization’s employees and the girls in their programs are safe and well.

– I came to Afghanistan to contribute and have both colleagues and friends here. The situation now means that there is no less, but all the more need for us! A generation of women is educated, they are resourceful, have hopes and goals. We can not leave them now, and must continue the work, she says.

–

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