Afghan interpreters who helped American soldiers through more than a decade of combat are being left to die at the hands of the Taliban, as detailed in a new, multi-part documentary by Ben Anderson of Vice News.
The series says 80% of Afghans who formerly interpreted for U.S. troops are unable to acquire a visa to come to the United States. It details their life-threatening concerns in Afghanistan.
"Interpreters have become a very big target of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda," Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois.) told Reason.com. "There's been a lot of beheadings of people that have worked with the West."
With the U.S. planning to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, many of these vulnerable interpreters may be left on their own. Even those who do receive visas to come to America, with the promise of three months rent, furniture, and employment, are often neglected, CBS News reports.
The program starts by introducing Srosh, an ex-interpreter in Kabul who can't get an American visa even though he meets all of the requirements for one. The Taliban killed his relatives just two weeks before this interview.
Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News
Srosh lives in a small, unsecure setting and constantly fears for his life. The longer he has to stay in Afghanistan, he says, the more likely it is the Taliban "are going to catch me, probably cut my head off."
Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News
He's proud of his work for the U.S., and he shows off a certificate he hopes will expedite his visa process. When asked about his feelings toward America, he said, "I know they'll help me because I know the U.S. government is not corrupt."
Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News
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