As the Donald Trump administration signals the possibility of cutting the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan after more than 17 years of conflict, Mohammad Ismail, a photographer with Reuters, spent time visiting with and photographing some of the young adults living in the city of Kabul. This generation is war-weary and ready for peace, but they are now contemplating an uncertain future as talks take place that might allow the Taliban to regain some level of power. Ismail: “For young people who were babies when the Taliban were driven from power by a U.S.-led campaign in 2001, the prospect of peace with the hard-line Islamists brings a daunting mix of hope and fear. For villagers in rural Afghanistan, where traditional ways have always counted for more than central government law, life may not change much. But for the young of Kabul and other cities, there is much to lose, in particular the freedoms restored after the Taliban were ousted—from playing music, to modeling and adopting trendy haircuts—which they’ve grown up with.”
The Hopes and Fears of Afghanistan’s Generation Z
-
Doctor Mohammad Jawed Momand, 22, poses for a picture in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 30, 2019. When asked about peace talks between the United States and Afghan forces and the Taliban, Momand said: "Peace requires everyone to lay down their arms and think about the education and prosperity in the country." #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
-
Kawsar Sherzad, 17, an Afghan Muay Thai athlete, poses for a picture at a club in Kabul on January 9, 2019. "Afghan females have had a lot of achievements in sports, so I am optimistic that the Taliban will accept these achievements," Sherzad said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Sultan Qasim Sayeedi, 18, an Afghan model, poses in Kabul on January 14, 2019. Sayeedi scours Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to learn about fashion and modeling, and draws inspiration from his favorite models, including Saudi Arabia's Omar Borkan and the Canadian pop star Justin Bieber. "We're afraid that if the Taliban come, then we will not be able to hold our shows," he said. Despite that wariness, Sayeedi said it's time that the fighting ended. "If American troops will go, peace will come. We want peace." he said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Zarghona Haidari, 22, who works at a bookstore in Shahr Ketab Center in Kabul, photographed on January 29, 2019. "I'm not very much optimistic about peace in this country. I don't think the Taliban will make a deal with the government," Haidari said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
-
Anosh Sarwari, 23, who works at a coffee shop, poses in Kabul on January 29, 2019. "We are thirsty for peace. We want peace so people can run their businesses and live comfortably," Sarwari said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
The Afghan singer Wasim Anwari, 19, photographed at the Afghan Star talent show at Tolo television studios in Kabul on January 16, 2019. "Peace means a lot to me, so I can carry on with my artistry, but without peace there is no hope for a better future," Anwari said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
The freelance journalist Zainab Farahmand, 22, poses for a picture in Kabul on January 31, 2019. "We will only welcome the Taliban if they accept democracy and its values in the country," Farahmand said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
-
The Afghan artist Mahdi Zahak, 25, poses in the ArtLords in Kabul on January 26, 2019. "There is a hope for peace, but the only way we can have peace is that [the Taliban] accept the achievements made in this country in the past 17 years and let everyone enjoy their lives," Zahak said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Nadim Quraishi, 19, stands outside his Game Zone shop in Kabul on January 26, 2019. "We want to see an end to the current conflict in the country. We are hopeful for a lasting peace between the government and the Taliban," Quraishi said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Sohail Ataie, 22, the owner of a luxury-clothes shop, poses for a picture in Kabul on January 26, 2019. "We are tired of war. What we want is peace to live a better life," Ataie said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
-
Maram Atayee, 16, a pianist, photographed at the Afghan National Institute of Music in Kabul on December 22, 2018. "The thing I'm most worried about is that if they return, I'll not be able to continue playing music," Atayee said. "It will be great if the government and the Taliban reach a peace deal. At that time, there should be access to music for everyone, and women's rights must be protected." #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Omid Arman, 21, an Afghan model, poses for a picture in Kabul on January 14, 2019. "Everyone has the desire for peace in this country. We've witnessed a lot of conflicts; it's enough. We don't want to be witnesses for any more tragedy," Arman said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
Hussain, 19, an Afghan hairdresser, photographed in a hair salon in Kabul on January 8, 2019. "I am optimistic about the Taliban joining the peace process," said Hussain, who like many young Afghans grew up in neighboring Iran, where millions have taken refuge from war. "It will be an end to the war and conflicts in our country. I want the Taliban to change their policy and not behave like before." #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters -
-
Farzad Aslami, 18, poses at a snooker club in Kabul on January 29, 2019. "We want peace for the sake of our country's welfare. We don't want any more suicide attacks and explosions," Aslami said. #
Mohammad Ismail / Reuters
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.