The influx of Westerners, with their lack of understanding of the local Muslim culture, is not universally welcomed.
Male media staff have been berated by the mujahidin for wearing shorts, and female staff for leaving arms uncovered.
Even in opposition-held territory, where the regime is less strict than in Taliban areas, every girl over the age of 15 is hidden behind a heavy burqa veil.
Shooting pictures and talking to women is frowned upon, although reporters regularly do so. One official in Khoja Bahawuddin stopped people from visiting a school after he discovered a photographer taking pictures of girls.
Drinking alcohol is forbidden, a major problem for some hardened hacks who have resorted to smuggling in vodka in plastic mineral water bottles.
Some of the world's most well-respected companies have got involved in staging "fighting" on the front line, paying soldiers to pose and to fire for the cameras, irrespective of the risk to the mujahidin who are then fired on in return by the Taliban.
"US$100 per shell" is the quip among reporters less than impressed with the theatrical approach to journalism.
Another trick employed for effect is the "flak jacket fixation," a tendency to wear body armor to add to the impression of danger, even where none lies.
One reporter was seen urging his cameraman to roll the film as he helped civilian victims of the US attacks into the back of his vehicle, and others have posed in places where they know they will draw fire from the Taliban. The marksmen have proved inaccurate so far.
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