Under Taliban rule, local businesses fear a future of corruption, terror, and manipulation

Matthew Griffin is a former United States Army Ranger who served multiple tours in Afghanistan. He also owns a business in the region, Combat Flip Flops. Griffin is immensely concerned for his worker’s welfare under Taliban rule and says his business is over.

"We don't want the Taliban to find they have worked with U.S. companies."

– Former U.S. Army Ranger, Matthew Griffin, owns a business in #Afghanistan and fears for the safety of his workers. pic.twitter.com/iSGkKdB8nl

— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) August 19, 2021

Warnings not to trust the Taliban

The Taliban has insisted it will not go back to its old ways. However, Griffin is increasingly concerned for his workers and is urging them to seek shelter or flee if they can.

Griffin has been in communication with his workers who he instructed to destroy any proof of working with an American-owned company. He employs 44 men and 36 women who are now all in hiding.

There are also fears the men in Afghan families will be recruited to the Taliban. Griffin says the Taliban is searching every vehicle, searching every phone.

“They’re waiting for us to leave, and take our attention off their country, and they will go back to their old ways.”

Matthew Griffin, Former United States Army Ranger

No one will support Afghanistan business

Amidst the chaotic and horrific scenes of fear in Afghanistan, there are also concerns for businesses moving forward. From a humanitarian point of view, Griffin’s main priority now is ensuring his workers and their families are safe.

Under Taliban rule, there is concern that thousands of businesses that operate across Afghanistan, will be subject to corruption in the future.

Griffin says his business has no hope of continuing because “no one will want to support Afghanistan now, because of the Taliban.”