DEARBORN, Mich. (WWJ) -- Many Afghan-Americans in metro Detroit are worried about the safety of their relatives back in Afghanistan amid the ongoing chaos in the country following the Taliban's takeover the departure of U.S. troops.
Among those hearing the stories of local families worried about relatives in Kabul and elsewhere in the country is Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni, of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, who says he is skeptical about the promises the Taliban has made to those who wish to leave the country.
"One thing that they have learned from the past experiences is that -- at least at this stage, when they have taken control -- at this stage, they have to present the nice side of themselves and not to lead to some kind of repercussion, global repercussion that might destabilize things," Kazerooni said of the Taliban.
Chaos descended on Afghanistan earlier this week after the U.S. officially pulled remaining troops out of the country after 20 years of occupation.
Kazerooni says families are worried because there are already reports of retribution in the country.
"We already have three interpreters being beheaded because of their cooperation and association with the United States," he said.
Despite 20 years in the country, he says the U.S. "never succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of everyday Afghanis." He says he's wary of the promises made by the Taliban of safe passage for those who want to leave Afghanistan or the quality of life they say will exist for those who remain.
"They are not going to forget people who, somehow, they call the traitors that supported the occupying powers. And they will be targets."
