bild

A group of Taliban pose and halt a traveller at Landa Khel checkpoint. Tagab Valley, Afghanistan. 19 June 1998...From the checkpoint, travellers to the north via the Tajik Panjshir had to continue on foot with porters to haul the heavier luggage. Pillage was a frequent occurrence. A handful of apricots or biscuits seemed to assuage the Talibs' immediate want of pay. Travellers who objected were caned to persuade them otherwise...The no-man's land was festooned with music tapes torn from taxi drivers' cassette players. The Taliban's music ban did not include the Suhras of the Holy Quran. These were blasted out at peak volume as they drove us in their Hilux from the commander's farm up to the checkpoint.. (KEYSTONE/VII Photo/Daniel Schwartz)