Kandahar is the spiritual birthplace and political heartland of the Taliban. It is arguably the most culturally conservative major city in Afghanistan. For the rare tourist permitted to visit, extreme caution and total compliance with local laws are absolute requirements. Foreigners draw intense suspicion here. Photography of almost any kind—especially of people, women, government buildings, or public infrastructure—can lead to immediate arrest and interrogation as a suspected spy. There is virtually no tolerance for any deviation from strict Islamic dress codes and behavior. Moving around the city without a highly connected, locally respected Afghan guide is impossible and dangerous.