Afghans push through snowy Alps toward new lives in Europe

By JOHN LEICESTER and DANIEL COLE
Associated Press

CLAVIERE, Italy (AP) — When the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August, some Afghans resolved to escape and embarked on forbidding journeys of thousands of kilometers to Europe. More than three months later, their odysseys have taken them through multiple countries and carried some high into the French-Italian Alps. That’s where Ali Rezaie pushed through knee-deep snow to evade border guards and reach France. By finding paths deep into Europe, Rezaie and his companions offer hope to other migrants who are sure to follow. Their knowledge about the obstacles, their contacts and their travel tips will trickle back to Afghanistan.