'The Covenant' is love letter to Afghan interpreters

Guy Ritchie’s latest film, “The Covenant,” has captured the attention of many with its story about the bond between an American soldier and his Afghan interpreter. While the film is not based on a true story, it touches on a very real issue faced by many Afghan interpreters and their families.

The Wall Street Journal estimates that by the end of 2021, around 62,000 Afghans who served with American forces, along with their families, were left behind, waiting for the Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) they were promised. Despite their service and sacrifices, it appears that there is no rhyme or reason for who received their visas and who did not.

In the film, U.S. Army Sgt. John Kinley, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, leads a team of soldiers searching for hidden Taliban arms caches. After their interpreter is killed in an attack, Kinley meets Ahmed, played by Dar Salim, who proves to be more than just a native speaker. After Ahmed risks his life to save Kinley, his heroism becomes widely known, but he is left behind when Kinley returns to the safety of friendly lines.

When Kinley learns that Ahmed, his wife, and his child did not receive their SIV, he returns to Afghanistan to help. However, the Taliban is determined to capture and kill both Ahmed and Kinley because of Ahmed’s help to the American soldier.

While the film depicts the dangers faced by U.S. soldiers during the war and the life of interpreters working for Americans, it also touches on the harsh reality faced by many Afghan interpreters and their families. Interpreters faced constant threats against themselves and their loved ones, even before the U.S. withdrawal. Once the Americans left, interpreters were forced to go into hiding, and even then, they were not entirely safe.

Many U.S. veterans feel a deep connection to their interpreters and see the U.S. government’s abandonment of them as a betrayal. Some veterans and private citizens have taken it upon themselves to continue working where the U.S. government has failed. Projects like Task Force Argo are working to fulfill the promise of SIVs for Afghan interpreters by arranging their evacuation from the country.

“The Covenant” is a fictional story, but it sheds light on a very real issue. The film is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Afghan interpreters and their families, and it highlights the importance of fulfilling the promises made to them by the U.S. government.