Center for Investigative Reporting

With news of the assassination of the second female minister in Afghanistan this week, we look at the oppression and intimidation of Afghan women and the implications for their security as the U.S. withdraws its troops.

We went inside women’s prisons in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif to provide a rare glimpse of a shocking aspect of Afghan society little known to the outside world. The majority of Afghan women in prison have committed no other crime than being in love with the wrong man — or running away from abusive husbands who were selected by their fathers.

In our series Notes from the Field, senior correspondent Mark Schapiro speaks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. In this video, Mimi discusses how in Ghaziabad, outside the perimeter of an American base, Lt. Col. Dan Wilson tries to build relationships with Afghans amid violent clashes with insurgents. Watch earlier videos here.

A new series called “Notes from the Field” on our (redesigned!) website, features reporter diaries and interviews capturing first impressions and raw experiences from the front lines. Senior correspondent Mark Schapiro talks by Skype with journalist Mimi Wells on assignment for CIR in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. In this first video, Wells discusses how female Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before leaving on their mission, learn about Afghan culture and language. On the eve of their departure, they say goodbye to their families.

In case you missed it, watch last night’s FRONTLINE, Kill/Capture: Inside the military’s extraordinary secret campaign to take out thousands of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters.