We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptAfghan Commander in US
HEADLINE: Afghan Commander Relocated to U.S. Hopes to Reunite His Family
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: (2/14/22 & 1:05)
BYLINE: Noshaba Ashna
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Atlanta, Georgia
VIDEOGRAPHER: Ahmad Samir Rassoly
PRODUCER: Noshaba Ashna
SCRIPT WRITER: Roshan Noorzai
SCRIPT EDITORS: BH; KE(1st), MAS
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Original | VOA Afghan Service
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:28
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ENGLISH WEB EDITORS: Please HOLD these for publication online until Monday, February 14 when they are scheduled to be published on a standalone webpage ))
((INTRO))
[[Abdul Kabir Salarzai is hoping to be reunited with his family in the United States, after being evacuated from eastern Afghanistan, where he worked as a local anti-Taliban commander. He left the area with only part of his family after Kabul fell to the Taliban. VOA’s Noshaba Ashna has more from Atlanta, Georgia in this report narrated by Roshan Noorzai.]]
((NARRATOR)) ((Mandatory CG: Abdul Kabir Salarzai))
53-year-old Abdul Kabir Salarzai says he worked closely with U.S. forces for more than 15 years as local police commander in eastern Afghanistan.
((End Mandatory CG))
When Kabul fell to the Taliban in August, he was evacuated with some family members, but many stayed behind, including two (((Mandatory CG: Abdul Kabir Salarzai)) of his three wives and 20 of his 36 children. ((End Mandatory CG))
Most who fled are now living in Atlanta, Georgia. ((Mandatory CG: Abdul Kabir Salarzai)) Salarzai’s 7-year-old son, Irfan, became ill during the evacuation and stayed behind in the UAE for treatment. ((End Mandatory CG))
((Abdul Kabir Salarzai, Former Afghan Local Commander)) ((Male in Pashto))
“One of my sons got sick, and another one had to stay with him there in the hospital.”
((NARRATOR)) ((Mandatory CG: Abdul Kabir Salarzai))
In a video message to VOA, Irfan says he is ready to join his family. ((End Mandatory CG))
((Irfan, Salarzai’s Son)) ((Male in Pashto)) ((Video 2:38- 3:07))
“Now I am fine. I do not have any problem. I miss my parents very much and want to see them and my siblings as soon as possible.”
((NARRATOR))
Salarzai says it’s painful for all his family to be scattered in the U.S and other parts of the world.
((Abdul Kabir Salarzai, Afghan Local Commander in Eastern Afghanistan)) ((Male in Pashto))
“We are all missing them. They themselves are very tired of being exiled, we are separated. One of my sons and his family are in a camp in Virginia. Two are left behind [in UAE]. We came here, and some are still in the country.”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile, others are adjusting to life in America.
((Farhad, Salarzai’s Son)) ((Male in Pashto)) ((Video 2:19- 2:24))
“I am very happy that I came to the U.S. and get an education.”
1:5
((NARRATOR))
But Salarzai is worried about his family’s future.
((Abdul Kabir Salarzai, Local Commander in Eastern Afghanistan)) ((Male in Pashto)) ((Video#2: 1:53 – 12:07)) ((remove chyron at 1:44 don't need it))
“What happened was in the past. What is going to be our future? What decisions would be made regarding our case, and when we'll be reunited?”
((NARRATOR))
Salarzai says he is hoping his entire family will be together again in the United States, and that he is aware that polygamy [[mispronounced—pul-ih-gah-me 1:58] is unlawful in America, making their future together even more uncertain.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department said last month that 74,000 Afghan people have been resettled in the U.S. And like the Salarzai family, many also adjusting to a new life and hoping for a better future.
For Noshaba Ashna in Atlanta, Georgia –
Roshan Noorzai VOA News
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 14, 2022 19:20 EST
BylineNoshaba Ashna
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
