Taliban inspire fear, hope, and doubt as they transition from insurgency to governance.

A field-based commentary from Afghanistan showcasing how the hard-line Islamist group, which took over ministries and local administrations following its crushing victory, is raising scepticism, fears - and sometimes cautious optimism – among the people they now have to rule.

While many mourn the end of an era, others have sensed an opportunity. A crowd of dozens gathered at the gate of the governor office in the northern city of Mazar-I-Sharif to look for a job. Mohammed, perhaps keener than the others, successfully made his way into the reception hall with a handwritten application letter.

"I would never have been able to enter this building before," the 31-year-old told the BIC, standing in front of an organisational chart pinned on the wall that depicts an administration now gutted of many of its employees. Shortly after conquering the city mid-August, the Taliban called on civil servants to return to work. Few answered the call.

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