Image Of Afghan Man Eating Ice Cream is From 2002
The Claim
The Taliban pictured eating ice cream and smiling after seizing power over Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul.
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Emerging story
A picture of an Afghan man eating ice cream and smiling has been widely circulated on social media. The viral image has been tied to the armed Taliban, who recently seized power in Afghanistan, including Kabul. Some users shared the image with satirical and sarcastic comments, comparing the man to President Joe Biden eating ice cream.
Misbar’s Analysis
MENA: The Misbar team conducted a Tineye reverse image search, as seen below.
The image was first uploaded in 2011. Upon further investigation, it was found that the photographer is Steve McCurry. McCurry has spent some time capturing everyday life in Afghanistan and had taken the image in Pol-e-Khomri, in 2002. This was confirmed by him on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts, as seen below.
While the man is Afghani wearing cultural attire, he is not associated with the Taliban, and the image was taken before the group had seized power in the country.
Given the findings, the claim is misleading. Even when shared with satirical comments, the implication is clear. However, the image is not of the Taliban eating ice cream but rather a regular Afghan man.
