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 the past two 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 by holding investment talks with regional countries.
★They have improved domestic security through crackdowns on armed groups and claim to be fighting corruption and opium production.
It’s same old Taliban, not Taliban 2.0:
★The Taliban have not fulfilled their promises of a softer approach to social reforms and a more development-oriented administration.
★They are committed to implementing their interpretation of Islamic law, leaving no space for women’s rights or secular practices.
★Foreign governments, rights groups, and global bodies have condemned the restrictions.
Women and girls pay the price:
★The Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on Afghan women, barring them from various activities and education beyond sixth grade.
★These restrictions have put a spotlight on the brutal rule of the Taliban and have led to condemnation from international organizations.
Economy on cliff edge, infrastructure in shambles:
★Afghanistan is struggling with a lack of funds and exclusion from international assistance, leading to increased poverty.
★The ongoing collapse in income, drought-like conditions, and restrictions on international banking have worsened the situation.
★Aid agencies are providing basic services like healthcare, but the situation remains dire.
Bilateral ties, the Taliban way:
★The Taliban are building bilateral relations with countries like China and Russia, despite a lack of international recognition.
★High-level meetings and cooperation in areas like narcotics, refugees, and counter-terrorism indicate a normalization of ties.
Terror attacks on the rise in Pakistan:
★Pakistan is increasingly frustrated 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 helping the TTP have brought over weapons left behind by the US, further fueling attacks.
India: Slowly but surely gaining ground in Afghanistan:
★India has been providing humanitarian aid and has resumed full operations at its embassy in Kabul.
★Trade between India and Afghanistan has flourished, and India seeks an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
★India’s cautious approach allows it to maintain its role as a key stakeholder and keep a check on Pakistan-based terror groups.
US still taking out targets:
★Despite not having boots on the ground, the US has been carrying out targeted strikes to neutralize terrorists and militant leaders in Afghanistan.
★The most notable strike was the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri in July last year.
China, Taliban ties close but transactional only:
★China has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul and has shown interest in expanding trade and investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
★The Taliban has boasted of Beijing’s involvement, but the relationship remains transactional.
In summary, two years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan have seen the group maintain a strong position, impose severe restrictions on women, and struggle with economic and infrastructure challenges. India has slowly gained ground in Afghanistan, while the US continues to carry out targeted strikes. China’s ties with the Taliban remain transactional.
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