Apprehension on streets of Afghanistan

CNN Correspondent Nic Robertson

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- CNN's Nic Robertson, one of the last remaining western journalists in the Kabul area of Afghanistan, describes the mood inside the country.

Q. What is the feeling among the civilian population in Afghanistan -- is there any indication that people have adopted a siege mentality?

A. Actually, the mood on the streets is surprisingly calm and it looks like business as usual. There is not the hustle and bustle you might normally expect to see and there are certainly fewer women and children about. Many people are shipping their families away from where any danger may fall.

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The supreme leader of the Taliban said people should put their faith in Allah, that they shouldn't be afraid of an attack from the United States. If they put their faith in Allah they would be OK. But although there is apprehension, and although the streets are a little quieter these last few days, many, many people here are really trying to go about their daily lives as normal and to wait and see what happens next.

Q. Are there any signs that the authorities in Afghanistan are preparing for an attack?

A. No, there is no real visible sign that defences are being prepared or that preparations are under way for an imminent attack. Oddly enough, as we drive around the countryside we have noticed that there are fewer checkpoints than usual, but no doubt the authorities will be taking some precautions, but what they are we can't say. In any situation like this, when a country prepares for war, the operational details will not be discussed -- particularly with journalists from overseas. One can safely assume preparations are being taken.

Q. Is it true you and your crew are among the last remaining Western journalists in the Kabul area of Afghanistan?

A. There were some journalists here on Tuesday when the attacks in the U.S. happened and some of those left on Wednesday. Many of the aid agencies have also taken the decision to leave and a few other journalists left on Friday. I know of one who arrived on Friday, but they were leaving today (Monday). We are certainly the only television team here and we hope to stay as long as we can.

Q: As a Westerner, have you felt threatened at all?

A: Not at all. In fact, the Afghan people are traditionally some of the most hospitable people in the world and we have been, and continue to be, treated fantastically well. People are always very helpful. Hospitality is a very important part of the culture here.

Q: As a journalist, are you free to come and go as you please or are you restricted in your movements?

A: Despite the hospitality that I spoke of, there is a definite sense that there is something going on and so our movements are being restricted, more for safety's sake than anything else. There is always the possibility of a rogue element who may target a foreigner and some people are beginning to get angry about the situation their country is facing. Needless to say, we are keeping as low a profile as we can.

Q: Finally, how do the people on the streets feel about what has happened in America?

A: People will tell you: ''We are not at war with America and America should not be at war with us.'' The people in Afghanistan have suffered through 22 years of war and so it is easy for them to put themselves in the position of somewhere that is threatened. In that respect there is understanding and sympathy with what America is going through.