'Hopeless and helpless': Woman fears for family and friends in Afghanistan
One week ago, Maryam was visiting friends and family in Afghanistan and says nobody would have imagined her country would once again be taken over by the Taliban.
"I went shopping just three days before this whole thing was happening to Kabul," said Maryam.
Just a few days after Maryam returned to Omaha, Nebraska, the capital fell to the Taliban. Maryam has visited Afghanistan nine times since 2006 and said she saw unbelievable growth in the country each time.
"There is not a single family without a loss. But that did not stop them from growing. They were getting up and starting all over again," said Maryam.
She says she worries for her young relatives who have heard stories of life under the Taliban, but have been fortunate enough to study, earn degrees, and work in their home country. Now, their future is up in the air.
"All of the hopes and dreams of our youngsters pretty much shattered right now. And it's very sad to feel so hopeless and helpless. For us that we're living and we're here -- we think we live in peace, we don't, because we have family we have loved ones -- we have friends over there that are losing their hopes," said Maryam.
The Taliban has promised at recent news conferences to respect women's rights and ensure the country does not become a terrorist haven, but Maryam says many have their doubts.
"The killers of their family is here telling them, 'Hey, I'm going to be nice to you.' How can you trust them?," said Maryam.
Maryam visits Afghanistan frequently but said she doesn't know when or if she will return.
"I'm glad at this time how I feel like I went there and I saw my country for the last time. Hopefully, that's not true, but this is how most of us feel like at this point," she said.