Interview: What's next for Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's Taliban Islamic fundamentalists have not changed since they were last in power in 2001, but they are now more experienced and better equipped, a lawyer and activist who worked in the Central Asian country during the previous Taliban government has said.

Taliban fighters stand guard as they block the road to Hamid Karzai Airport a day after deadly blasts in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Photo: EPA/STRINGER

John Sifton, a New York-based activist for the Human Rights Watch NGO, told Polish Radio’s Wojciech Cegielski that the Taliban are likely to impose severe restrictions on Afghan society, especially women, now that they have regained control.

At the same time, they will try to cultivate a moderate image for the West, Sifton said when asked about the future of Afghanistan amid chaos and uncertainty in Kabul.

In the interview, Sifton also spoke about life in Afghanistan under the Taliban in 2000 and 2001 when he was working there for the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian aid organization.

Listen to the interview by clicking on the audio player above.