Taliban Settle in as Rulers of Afghanistan, Facing Limited Opposition
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two years after seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have established themselves as the ruling authority in the country. With the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces after two decades of war, the Taliban face no significant opposition that could topple them. They have managed to maintain unity within their ranks by following their ideologically rigid leader. Despite lacking formal recognition from the international community, the Taliban have sustained the struggling economy by engaging in investment talks with capital-rich regional countries. They have also made efforts to improve domestic security by cracking down on armed groups like the Islamic State and combating corruption and opium production.
However, the Taliban’s second year in power has been marked by a series of bans imposed on Afghan girls and women. They have been barred from parks, gyms, universities, and jobs at nongovernmental organizations and the United Nations. These restrictions were implemented within a few months, allegedly due to violations of proper hijab (Islamic head covering) and gender segregation rules. This followed a previous ban on girls attending school beyond the sixth grade, which was issued in the first year of Taliban rule.
The Taliban’s exclusion of women from higher education, most jobs, and public spaces is rooted in their commitment to implementing their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, in Afghanistan. They view foreign or secular practices, such as women working or studying, as incompatible with their ideology. Supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has praised these changes, claiming that Afghan women’s lives have improved since foreign troops left and the hijab became mandatory again.
The restrictions imposed on Afghan women have been widely condemned by foreign governments, rights groups, and global bodies. The United Nations has stated that these bans hinder the Taliban’s chances of gaining international recognition as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. As a result, overseas aid has been reduced, with major donors concerned about their funds falling into Taliban hands. The lack of financial support, coupled with the exclusion of Afghan women from delivering essential humanitarian services, has had a severe impact on the population, pushing more people into poverty.
Living conditions in Afghanistan have worsened due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, medical shortages, climate change, malnutrition, and decades of war and natural disasters. Nearly 80% of the previous Afghan government’s budget, which was supported by the international community, funded crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, with the funding largely cut off, aid agencies have stepped in to provide basic services. The country is also grappling with drought-like conditions, a collapse in income for families, and restrictions on international banking.
Despite these challenges, the World Bank reported that the local currency, the afghani, has gained value against major currencies. Customers can withdraw more money from individual deposits made before August 2021, and most civil servants are being paid. The World Bank described revenue collection as “healthy” and stated that basic items remained available, although demand is low. The Taliban have engaged in investment talks with countries in the region, including China and Kazakhstan, in an effort to revive the economy. They are seeking the removal of sanctions and the release of frozen funds, arguing that these measures would alleviate the suffering of Afghans. However, the international community has made it clear that such steps will only be taken if the Taliban lift restrictions on women and girls.
The likelihood of the Taliban changing their direction
What steps have the Taliban taken to reassure regional countries and maintain economic stability in Afghanistan
G international recognition and support. Many countries have expressed concerns about the erosion of women’s rights and have called on the Taliban to respect basic human rights, including gender equality.
Despite these criticisms, the Taliban remain firmly in control and are unlikely to face significant resistance within the country. They have established a strong grip on power through a combination of military force, propaganda, and ideological discipline. The absence of any organized opposition has allowed them to consolidate their rule and suppress dissent.
The Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan has also been marked by efforts to address long-standing security concerns. They have waged a campaign against armed groups like the Islamic State, which they view as threats to their authority. Additionally, they have taken steps to combat corruption and reduce opium production, which has plagued the country for years.
Economically, the Taliban have relied on engagement with regional countries to sustain the struggling Afghan economy. Investment talks with capital-rich nations have provided some relief and have helped keep the country afloat in the absence of foreign aid and assistance.
It remains to be seen how long the Taliban’s grip on power will last and whether they will face any challenges in the future. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the Taliban will address human rights concerns and work towards a more inclusive and democratic Afghanistan.
The situation in Afghanistan is heartbreaking and deeply concerning. The human rights abuses, especially against women, must not be ignored or tolerated. We need to stand in solidarity with the Afghan people and work towards their safety, freedom, and prosperity.