Day one: Afghanistan with no foreign forces, in Taliban rule after 20 years

A morning of uncertainty, fear, celebrations. Kabul woke up numb with the reality that the Taliban have returned to Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

A morning of uncertainty, fear, celebrations. Kabul woke up numb with the reality that the Taliban have returned to Afghanistan after 20 years of war. The Taliban and its supporters started celebrations the moment the last American soldier boarded the C-17 aircraft which took off from Kabul airport before the clock struck 12 on the night of August 30. The morning was a witness to the first fear that of finances. There were long queues outside banks and ATM kiosks to withdraw money, ensuring that they are not penniless and without resources to buy money, should the financial system break down.