Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan three years ago following the withdrawal of United States and NATO forces, several key events have shaped the country’s landscape. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban captured Kabul as President Ashraf Ghani fled the nation. Just over a week later, on August 26, 2021, a tragic attack by Islamic State militants at Kabul’s airport resulted in the deaths of over 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. soldiers.
In March 2022, the Taliban reneged on a promise to allow girls above the sixth grade to attend school. By May 2022, the Taliban’s Virtue and Vice Ministry mandated that women in public wear all-encompassing robes and cover their faces except for their eyes, advising them to stay home unless necessary.
Later in the year, in June 2022, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, claiming the lives of more than 1,100 individuals, with the Taliban struggling to coordinate rescue efforts. The U.S. conducted a drone strike in July 2022, killing al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri and accusing the Taliban of sheltering him.
Various restrictive measures were imposed by the Taliban, including bans on women using gyms and parks, leading to public lashings and executions. Female education and participation in the workforce were prohibited, and beauty salons faced closure for offering allegedly un-Islamic services.
As recent as October 2023, Pakistan initiated a crackdown on illegal Afghan residents, prompting condemnation from the Taliban, the U.N., and human rights organizations. In the following months, natural disasters and violent incidents continued to impact the country, exacerbated by the Taliban’s policies and actions.
Despite international scrutiny, the Taliban remained firm in their oppressive tactics, leading to tensions with foreign governments and aid agencies. The situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule continues to evolve, with ongoing challenges and human rights concerns garnering global attention.
