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 and have kept a struggling economy afloat.
★They have improved domestic security through crackdowns on armed groups such as the Islamic State and claim to be fighting corruption and opium production.
It’s same old Taliban, not Taliban 2.0
★The Taliban’s promises of a softer approach to social reforms and a more development-oriented administration never materialized.
★They are committed to implementing their interpretation of Islamic law, leaving no space for women working or studying.
★Foreign governments, rights groups, and global bodies have condemned the restrictions.
Women and girls pay the price
★The Taliban’s bans on Afghan girls and women have put a spotlight on their brutal rule.
★They have barred women from parks, gyms, universities, and jobs at NGOs and the United Nations.
★These restrictions have led to a decrease in international aid and pushed more people into poverty.
Economy on cliff edge, infrastructure in shambles
★The lack of funds and the exclusion of Afghan women from delivering essential services have hit the population hard.
★Afghanistan is struggling with drought-like conditions, medical shortages, climate change, and malnutrition.
★Aid agencies have stepped in to provide basic services, but the country still suffers from decades of war and natural disasters.
Bilateral ties, the Taliban way
★Despite a lack of international recognition, the Taliban are building bilateral relations with powerful states like China and Russia.
★High-level meetings with these countries indicate a normalization of ties.
★Cooperation with the Taliban on narcotics, refugees, and counter-terrorism is of interest globally.
Terror attacks on the rise in Pakistan
★Pakistan accuses the Taliban-led Afghanistan of providing safe haven to terrorists involved in attacks in Pakistan.
★The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become emboldened since the Taliban seized power.
★Some Taliban fighters helping the TTP have brought weapons left behind by the US.
India: Slowly but surely gaining ground in Afghanistan
★India has supplied humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and resumed full operations at the Indian embassy in Kabul.
★Trade between India and Afghanistan has flourished.
★India seeks an inclusive government in Afghanistan and wants to prevent the use of Afghan soil as a safe haven for terrorists.
US still taking out targets
★Despite no boots on the ground, the US has carried out targeted strikes to neutralize terrorists and militant leaders in Afghanistan.
★The most notable strike resulted in the death of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri.
China, Taliban ties close but transactional only
★China maintains a diplomatic presence in Kabul and has increased trade and investment in Afghanistan.
★The Taliban boasts of Beijing’s interest in expanding trade and investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
In conclusion, two years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan have seen the group consolidate power, impose severe restrictions on women, and face economic and infrastructure challenges. While India gains ground diplomatically, Pakistan faces increasing terror attacks from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The US continues to carry out targeted strikes, and China maintains close but transactional ties with the Taliban.
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