Help Evacuate Islam Iqbal's Family from Afghanistan

I am creating this campaign on behalf of Islam Iqbal, a friend of mine, who has spent nearly the last decade serving EducationUSA in Afghanistan, as Director of Social and Educational Services Organization (SESO) and Kabul Educational Advising Center (KEAC). In this role, Iqbal not only promoted and administered U.S. State Department- sponsored educational and exchange programs including Fulbrights through the only EducationUSA center in Afghanistan, he also conducted research and outreach to over 250 Taliban prisoners on behalf of the United States Department of Defense.

Most of these inmates have since rejoined the active Taliban, with full knowledge of Iqbal's identity and service to the US. During his time working on the project for the US Department of Defense, these Taliban fighters called him and his colleagues infidels and accused them of helping Americans. Since regaining their freedom, Taliban fighters have already visited his neighborhood, asking for him and accusing him of promoting US culture and values.

I am relieved to tell you that Iqbal and his wife Samira have safely fled the country and are currently in India. However, Iqbal's family remains in Afghanistan at significant risk, due to Iqbal's years of service with the US State Department and Defense Department. 

 Iqbal's family remains at great risk, partially due to the fact that he has two brothers who are alumni of a US-State Dept funded cultural exchange, and he has a sister who is a full time student at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF). Pursuing their education has significantly heightened their risk further, as the Taliban now has access to student records at AUAF and to lists of US cultural exchange participants. They have received threats and are in hiding.

This campaign will raise money to help evacuate Iqbal's family from Kabul. Any amount will help, and we thank you very much for your donation and sharing this campaign. Any excess funding will be used to support Iqbal and his family.

Sincerely, Anna Wise, on behalf of Islam Iqbal