Ep 13. Afghanistan After Us/La Haine

Afghanistan After Us/La Haine is the thirteenth episode of the third season of Vice. The episode takes an in-depth look at the current situation in Afghanistan, which has been impacted by the United States' involvement in the region. The episode also explores the topic of police brutality and racial tensions in France, focusing on the low-income neighborhoods known as banlieues.

The episode begins by examining the legacy of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, which lasted for over a decade and ended in 2014. Correspondent Isobel Yeung travels to the country to speak with Afghan citizens and policymakers about the state of the country following the U.S.'s departure. Yeung interviews journalists, human rights advocates, and government officials to understand the current political climate in Afghanistan.

Yeung also speaks to Afghan women about their experiences under the Taliban and following the U.S. withdrawal. She delves into the challenges faced by women seeking education and employment, as well as the dangers of female journalists reporting on sensitive issues in the country. The episode sheds light on the difficulty of building a stable democracy in the region despite the U.S.'s efforts.

The second half of the episode shifts focus to France, where police brutality and racial tensions have been at the forefront of national discourse in recent years. Correspondent Salamishah Tillet travels to banlieues outside of Paris to speak with citizens about their experiences with police and their perspectives on the government's response to these issues.

Tillet interviews activists and community organizers who are working to bring attention to police brutality and promote accountability for police officers. She also speaks to residents of banlieues who have been personally impacted by police violence, including a man who was blinded in one eye by a police officer's rubber bullet during a demonstration.

Throughout the episode, Vice provides an insightful analysis of complex issues facing both Afghanistan and France. The show offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges of building stable democracies in regions troubled by conflict and violence, and highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues of police brutality and racial tension. Overall, Afghanistan After Us/La Haine is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on important global issues.