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Four Corners: Nov 9

Monday's Four Corners is a journey into Afghanistan’s tribal heartland.

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Monday’s Four Corners, ‘Return to the Valley of Death,’ is a journey into Afghanistan’s tribal heartland, by BBC reporter Merwais Miakhail.

“Here, the only people with cameras are roadside bombers or Taliban fighters on reconnaissance missions.” Merwais Miakhail, Journalist

In the heart of the lawless tribal areas on the Afghan border, lies a town where US drones fly surveillance and bombing missions every 10 minutes and the threat of deadly attacks by the Taliban is constant. It’s a place usually off limits to journalists. But in this remarkable film, BBC producer Merwais Miakhail takes us deep into this dangerous territory known as the ‘Valley of Death’.

“We are 50 kilometres into our journey and I can already feel the tension here.” Merwais Miakhail

Merwais Miakhail fled the Taliban as a teenager. Fifteen years on, he makes his first journey home to see how his family is coping after years of intense fighting between American, Afghan and Taliban forces.

“I understand that for the Americans this is a war against terrorism. But, for my family and other Afghans, this is a despised occupation.” Merwais Miakhail

His trek into the Taliban heartland of Kunar province gives a unique insight into the hardships faced by ordinary Afghans. From a father grieving for his son, killed by American forces:

“The Americans are powerful. They never accept that they did something wrong.” Farmer

To a grandmother left to raise the children orphaned by a Taliban bullet:

“We are powerless in front of the Taliban. God damn the Taliban.” Grandmother

And a midwife who laments the many lives lost:

“We work so hard to bring a child into the world… but when they grow up, they are so easily killed by a bullet.” Midwife

These Afghans live in a world of violence and chaos, but they also love poetry, songs and alcohol-fuelled parties.

“A proper Afghan wedding should have at least one thousand guests – otherwise it is just seen as a dress rehearsal.”

This is a truly unique story which captures the lives of ordinary people living in one of the most dangerous places in the world.

Monday 9th of Nov at 8.30pm on ABC.

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