Since the publication of “Amanda’s Story” by Freedom Bird Foundation, Afghans in need of help email and text hourly with requests for assistance. Mateen, a young man in Afghanistan, sent a text message to a phone number he received from his cousin in hopes someone would respond. Mateen connected with Freedom Birds and writers Scott Chapman and Russ Pritchard.
In his mid twenties, Mateen attended the American University and studied law with a concentration on local and regional codes. A typical college student, he enjoyed the social life with classmates and the relaxed atmosphere on campus. With three classes remaining to complete his degree, Mateen looked forward to a career practicing municipal law within his own community. “The Taliban shut down my school,” says Mateen. “I was so close, and it’s all been shut down. All of these students with dreams and career plans now have nothing. The grass on campus grows long. The place looks abandoned. Growing up, I never thought the Americans would leave.”
The Taliban regard anyone who assists the United States to be an infidel. They’re deemed traitors. Afghan culture holds the entire family responsible for the perceived sins of one. The U.S. Embassy Annex employed Mateen’s father, brother and cousins as janitors. “Seven of us hide from the Taliban in my house,” says Mateen, “ No one has a source of income or has a way to get money for food. We spend all day inside the house because we’re too scared to go outside. We don’t want to draw the attention of the Taliban. My family worked at the American Embassy to support our family and so I could go to school. Because of where they worked, we will suffer execution.”
“We live in terror. We don’t sleep because someone always has to watch for the Taliban. The last time I went outside, I saw groups of Taliban everywhere. They wear American uniforms, have American weapons, drive American vehicles, and fly American helicopters. They beat people for no reason. Five Talilban stopped me and made me empty my pockets. They asked me questions about my family and if we worked with the Americans. They point their weapons at you and charge them. They pull back on the handle and let you know they are ready to shoot. Many times they do. I miss college. I miss my life before the Taliban. There’s no food. There’s no money. We won’t last much longer. Please send help.”
Scott Chapman is an investigative journalist, author, former Army Ranger, OGA Blackwater contractor, entrepreneur, husband, dog lover, and astrophysics scholar. Russ Pritchard is an investigative journalist, professional writer, former Chief Marketing Officer, flight medic, triathlete, husband, father, and grandfather. They can be reached via email through links in their names.
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