Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – A major British government review has warned that Afghan refugees resettled in the UK could face radicalisation due to frustration and broken promises, following a catastrophic Ministry of Defence data breach that exposed the identities of nearly 19,000 Afghans. Many of those evacuated now struggle with homelessness, isolation, and unmet expectations, prompting experts to caution that the growing gap between hope and reality may push vulnerable individuals towards extremism.
The report, led by former Defence Intelligence deputy Paul Rimmer, urges the UK Home Office to investigate the radicalisation threat more seriously, especially as Afghanistan increasingly becomes a base for global terrorist networks. The once-secret evacuation operation, only made public last week, was triggered by fears of Taliban reprisals after personal data was mistakenly leaked in 2022 and discovered in 2023. Though over 16,000 Afghans were relocated, at least 10% have become homeless—some housed in temporary shelters—with NGOs warning that the UK’s stretched public services are unable to meet their needs.
The review casts a spotlight on the UK government’s handling of Afghan allies, many of whom risked their lives to support NATO forces. Afghan observers see the situation as both a cautionary tale for future asylum cooperation and a stark reminder of how broken Western promises can have lasting consequences.
