Taliban Consolidate Power in Afghanistan Two Years After Seizing Control
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban has firmly established itself as the ruling power in Afghanistan, two years after taking over as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from the country following a long period of war. With no significant opposition to challenge them, the Taliban has maintained unity under their uncompromising leader and managed to sustain the struggling economy through investment talks with regional countries. However, their harsh restrictions on Afghan girls and women have dominated their second year in power.
The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, has led to the exclusion of women from higher education, most jobs, and public spaces. These measures were implemented in order to uphold their ideologies and eliminate anything they perceive as foreign or secular. The Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has praised these changes, claiming that Afghan women’s lives have improved since the takeover and the enforcement of mandatory hijabs.
The international community, rights groups, and foreign governments have strongly condemned these bans. The United Nations has highlighted that these restrictions are a major obstacle to recognizing the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. As a result, overseas aid has been decreasing, further exacerbating the already dire living conditions in the country. The lack of funds and the exclusion of women from delivering essential humanitarian services have pushed more Afghans into poverty.
Afghanistan is facing numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical shortages, climate change, malnutrition, and a prolonged drought. The previous Afghan government heavily relied on international assistance, which financed crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. With the withdrawal of funding, basic services have been disrupted, leaving many Afghans in desperate situations.
Despite these hardships, the Taliban has managed to stabilize the local currency, the afghani, and ensure salary payments for most civil servants. They have engaged in investment talks with regional countries like China and Kazakhstan, seeking the release of frozen funds and the removal of sanctions to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan population. However, international recognition and support remain conditional upon the Taliban’s actions, including the lifting of restrictions on women and girls.
The likelihood of the Taliban changing their stance largely depends on their supreme leader, Akhundzada. His absolute authority allows him to issue decrees on various matters, including women’s rights. Although there have been reports of internal disagreements, the Taliban maintains a united front, with decisions ultimately resting with Akhundzada. Their pursuit of recognition as the legitimate government is focused on building bilateral relations with powerful states like China and Russia, despite their isolation on the global stage.
The Taliban currently faces limited opposition, both armed and political. The resistance in Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul, is being violently suppressed, and public protests against the Taliban are rare. While the Islamic State has carried out deadly bombings targeting government ministries, they lack the resources and manpower for a significant offensive against the Taliban.
As the Taliban continues its rule in Afghanistan, the plight of Afghan women and the country’s economic and humanitarian challenges remain at the forefront. The international community and Afghan citizens await potential changes in Taliban policies that could lead to greater inclusivity and recognition on the global stage.