Afghans and Tajiks mix in rare but vital border bazaar

The popular bazaar in the small town of Kalai-Khumb -- about six hours' drive east from the Tajik capital Dushanbe -- has reopened after being shut down after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021. Tajikistan, which shares a winding 1,350-kilometre (840 mile) border with Afghanistan, designates the Taliban a terrorist organisation. But that didn't stop white-bearded Afghan Subhanuddin Haji Qashem crossing to stock up on essentials last month. "Here we can buy clothes, sweets and tea...