The Taliban are entrenched in Afghanistan after 2 years of rule. Women and girls pay the price

The Taliban have entrenched themselves in power in Afghanistan, assuming control two years after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, marking an end to twenty years of conflict.

Without facing substantial opposition capable of overthrowing them, the Taliban have managed to avoid internal disputes by aligning under the strict ideology of their unwavering leader. By engaging in investment discussions with wealthy neighboring countries, they have kept the economy from collapsing, even while international recognition remains withheld. Efforts to improve domestic security have included battling against armed factions such as the Islamic State, and the Taliban proclaim to be combating corruption and opium production.

But the second year of their rule has been dominated by the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women and girls. These prohibitions include exclusion from parks, gyms, universities, and certain employment opportunities within mere months, purportedly due to violations of rules concerning proper hijab or gender segregation. This follows an earlier ban, in their first year of rule, on girls receiving education past sixth grade.

Here’s an in-depth examination of the current situation under Taliban rule:

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WHY ARE WOMEN EXCLUDED FROM HIGHER EDUCATION AND MOST PUBLIC SPACES?

The Taliban’s commitment to their version of Sharia, or Islamic law, leaves no room for what they perceive as foreign or secular influences, such as women studying or working. This rigid stance has driven their policies since their first seizure of power in the late 1990s and continues to guide them since their latest takeover on August 15, 2021. Supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has even claimed that life for Afghan women has improved under the mandatory hijab rule following the departure of foreign troops.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION TO THESE RESTRICTIONS?

The international community, including foreign governments, rights organizations, and the U.N., has condemned these restrictions. The cut in overseas aid and the Taliban’s exclusion of Afghan women from essential humanitarian work are exacerbating poverty levels across the country.

WHAT IS THE STATE OF LIVING CONDITIONS?

Afghans are grappling with a variety of crises, including medical shortages, drought, a collapsing economy, and a host of other challenges that have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of international financial support.

HOW IS THE ECONOMY PERFORMING?

Though still facing challenges, the Afghan economy is showing signs of stability. The Taliban have engaged in talks with regional nations like China and Kazakhstan, and are pushing for sanctions to be lifted and for frozen funds to be released, though international compliance depends on the lifting of restrictions on women and girls.

WILL THE TALIBAN CHANGE COURSE?

A change in direction appears unlikely, as key decisions rest with the supreme leader, Akhundzada, whose rulings are considered absolute. Dissenting opinions within the Taliban have been dismissed as propaganda.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION?

While official global recognition remains elusive, the Taliban are steadily building bilateral relations, meeting with influential states such as China and Russia, and showing interests that align with global concerns.

WHAT RESISTANCE EXISTS AGAINST THE TALIBAN?

The resistance against the Taliban is weak, with no significant domestic or foreign-backed opposition capable of threatening their rule. The Taliban have managed to suppress minor armed resistance, and though the Islamic State has carried out targeted attacks, it lacks the resources for a large-scale offensive.

In conclusion, the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan seems firmly established, with a particular focus on imposing strict regulations on women and girls. The international community remains concerned, and the situation in Afghanistan continues to be precarious, reflecting a complex balance of power, economic survival, and human rights.

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• Timeline of events in Afghanistan since 2021 Taliban takeover
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• World Bank’s assessment of Afghanistan’s economy
• Taliban’s foreign outreach and international recognition
• Living conditions and humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan
• Taliban’s policies and restrictions on women and girls