• Source:JND
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A bizarre and disturbing promotional video has surfaced on Taliban-affiliated social media accounts, calling on American tourists to "visit Afghanistan", a country still reeling from decades of war and known for its volatile security situation. The video, which many viewers have described as surreal and offensive, attempts to blend dark comedy, propaganda, and tourism marketing in a way that has raised global eyebrows.

The one-minute-long video begins with a haunting scene reminiscent of Islamist hostage executions: five heavily armed Afghan men stand behind three kneeling individuals with black bags over their heads. A lead figure menacingly declares, “We have one message for America,” before dramatically pulling the bag off one of the prisoners, only to reveal a smiling man giving a thumbs-up. “Welcome to Afghanistan!” he says, in a jarringly cheerful American accent.

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Unusual Tourist Activities On Display

What follows is a rapid montage of bizarre imagery: Taliban fighters in uniform smiling for the camera, scenic shots of Afghanistan’s mountains and deserts, and American tourists engaging in unexpected activities. Some are seen swinging from the barrels of destroyed tanks, diving into lakes, feasting on lavish Afghan meals, and posing with local children. One clip even shows an American tourist holding a US Army-issued M4A1 carbine, ironically, the same weapon used by American troops during the conflict in Afghanistan.

The video, shared by a Taliban-linked account called @afghanarabc, is edited in the style of a modern-day travel vlog, complete with flashy transitions and upbeat music. However, the production attempts to create a paradoxical blend of military visuals and idyllic landscapes, all while omitting key societal elements, most notably, there are no women featured anywhere in the footage.

Outrage And Condemnation Follow

The video has drawn widespread criticism online. Many social media users and human rights advocates called out the Taliban's attempt at rebranding, saying it trivialises the suffering endured by millions in the country. Critics argue that it mocks the trauma of war and the ongoing human rights abuses, especially against women and minorities.

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Analysts believe the video is part of a broader Taliban effort to gain international legitimacy and economic support by softening its global image. However, with Afghanistan still under oppressive rule and facing severe humanitarian crises, the campaign is widely seen as a tone-deaf and cynical exercise in propaganda.