I know how it feels to live under the Taliban. This time, the west must not turn its back | Sana Safi

As a girl in the 1990s, I struggled for an education in underground schools. Afghans face a return to those dark times

With my phone in hand, I walked up and down the fifth floor of New Broadcasting House, the BBC headquarters in London. It was mid-August and I was trying to get in touch with my sister in Afghanistan. The phone kept ringing but there was no answer - she never misses my calls, even when she's working.

On the seventh attempt, I heard the noise of the rush hour in Kabul, followed by her: Guly", - or Hi hon", as we might say in England. Where have you been?" I asked.