Former Afghan General Haibatullah Alizai, once a key figure in Afghanistan's military leadership, now navigates the streets of Washington D.C. as an Uber and Lyft driver. His current life in the United States stands in stark contrast to his past, a poignant reminder of the dramatic shifts that followed the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan five years ago.
Alizai was evacuated by U.S. forces and granted asylum, but his journey to stability remains challenging. He often works demanding 12 to 15-hour shifts to make ends meet, a significant change from commanding troops.
A Leader's Last Stand
As the Taliban rapidly advanced in 2021, Alizai, then promoted by President Ashraf Ghani, was given just four days to formulate a defense plan for Kabul. He expressed surprise that no such strategy was already in place. Despite his efforts to rally resistance, particularly in Panjshir, time was not on their side. Alizai left Afghanistan on August 25, 2021, after these efforts proved unsuccessful, evacuated on a C-17 without knowing his destination.
He disputes claims that Afghan soldiers simply gave up, stating, “We did fight.” Alizai highlighted the sacrifice of 100,000 soldiers and attributed the country's collapse not to a lack of fighting spirit among the troops, but to local politicians negotiating with the Taliban.
Family Separated by Borders
While General Alizai rebuilds his life in the U.S., his wife and three sons have found asylum in India. This geographical separation means their primary connection is through video calls, with no clear timeline for a reunion. Alizai's inability to travel outside the U.S. further complicates any prospects of seeing his family soon.
Finding stable employment beyond ridesharing has proven difficult for Alizai, a common hurdle for immigrants arriving from war zones. Despite the personal hardships and the collapse of his home country, Alizai remains hopeful about his relationship with the U.S. and the enduring bonds with fellow soldiers, believing the sacrifices made over two decades were worthwhile.