NEW DELHI: August 15, 2023, marks two years since the Taliban stormed back to power in Afghanistan as US and NATO forces withdrew from the country following two decades of brutal war. Here is a look at 2 years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan:
Taliban in strong position
★The Taliban have entrenched themselves and face no significant opposition that could topple them.
★They have avoided internal divisions by falling in line behind their ideologically unbending leader.
★They have kept a struggling economy afloat, in part by holding investment talks with capital-rich regional countries.
★They have improved domestic security through crackdowns on armed groups such as the Islamic State.
★They claim to be fighting corruption and opium production.
It’s same old Taliban, not Taliban 2.0
★The Taliban promised a softer approach to social reforms and a more development-oriented administration but failed to deliver.
★They are committed to implementing their interpretation of Islamic law, leaving no space for women’s rights.
★Their restrictions against women have drawn condemnation from foreign governments, rights groups, and global bodies.
★Overseas aid is drying up as major donors stop their funding due to the Taliban’s policies.
Women and girls pay the price
★The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on Afghan women, barring them from various activities and education.
★These restrictions have put a spotlight on the brutal rule of the Taliban.
★The bans have further isolated Afghanistan internationally and negatively impacted the lives of Afghan women.
Economy on cliff edge, infrastructure in shambles
★Afghanistan’s economy is struggling due to a lack of funds and international assistance.
★The exclusion of Afghan women from delivering essential humanitarian services is hitting the population hard.
★The country is facing a drought-like situation, medical shortages, and the ongoing collapse of income.
★The Taliban are seeking investment and the release of frozen funds to alleviate the suffering of Afghans.
Bilateral ties, the Taliban way
★The Taliban have engaged in high-level meetings with powerful states like China and Russia.
★Despite a lack of international recognition, the Taliban have enough interactions and engagement to inch toward normalization.
★Cooperation with the Taliban on narcotics, refugees, and counter-terrorism is of interest globally.
Terror attacks on the rise in Pakistan
★Pakistan is increasingly incensed with the Taliban for providing refuge to terrorists targeting its forces.
★The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become emboldened since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.
★Some Taliban fighters have brought over weapons left behind by the US, including M-16s and sniper rifles.
India: Slowly but surely gaining some ground in Afghanistan
★India has been providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and has resumed full operations at its embassy in Kabul.
★Trade between India and Afghanistan has flourished.
★India wants an inclusive government in Afghanistan that ensures the country is not used as a safe haven for terrorists.
US still taking out targets
★The US has been carrying out targeted strikes to neutralize terrorists and militant leaders in Afghanistan.
★Despite not having boots on the ground, the US continues to maintain a presence in the region.
China, Taliban ties close but transactional only
★China has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul and regularly meets with Taliban officials.
★Chinese traders have been visiting Afghanistan to explore business opportunities.
★The Taliban has boasted of Beijing’s interest in expanding trade and investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
In summary, two years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan have seen the group entrenching their power, imposing severe restrictions on women, struggling economy, and renewed diplomatic engagements with regional powers. Meanwhile, Pakistan is growing increasingly frustrated with the Taliban for providing refuge to terrorists. India is slowly gaining ground in Afghanistan, and the US continues to carry out targeted strikes. China’s ties with the Taliban are transactional in nature.
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