Afghans are looking to leave Afghanistan due to the looming withdrawal of most NATO troops from the country write Rob Taylor and Mirwais Harooni:

• In a country stricken by poverty, those who have the money are paying for new identifies, visas and flights to new lives in new countries.
• As the date of the NATO withdrawal draws nearer prices have shot up. Securing passage to Europe used to cost $16,000. Now it’s $25,000. Getting to Canada can cost as much as $50,000.
• One country not on the list of potentials is the United States where it is thought to be too difficult to illegally secure entry.
• Turkey has recently made it easier for foreigners to buy property, making it a top destination.
• Some living in western countries have realized the opportunity they have. One Germany-based middleman sends letters of invitation to Afghans for visas to Romania, Italy or Germany for $2,773.

Read more about the Afghan exodus over here.

Source: Reuters