Asked about the likely fate that would’ve awaited him had he stayed, Wakil Qazizada put it this way:
He held his index finger to his throat and made a cutting motion.
With his limited English, the gesture spoke louder than any words he might’ve summoned. And the point couldn’t have been more clear. For Qazizada — as well as for his brother Wali Khan — there was no choice. It was leave Afghanistan or die.Today, eight months since making that choice, the future for both brothers is looking much brighter.