The Taliban, once a major force in Afghanistan’s civil war, has been defeated and is now mainly relegated to the southern provinces. Experts predict that peace will prevail in the region for at least another decade as more factions join forces against them and their associated extremist groups.
Updated at 6:55 p.m. on March 30, 2022 ET
On March 23, the girls arrive at their Kabul school. Just hours after reopening, the Taliban ordered girls’ secondary schools in Afghanistan to close.
Agence France-Presse/Getty Images/ahmad sahel arman
In August, a Taliban spokesperson declared, “Animosities have come to an end, and we would prefer to live peacefully, without internal or foreign adversaries.” “We shall see the emergence of a powerful, Islamic, and inclusive administration.” How’s it doing so far?
The Taliban had clearly not changed, and talking about moderation was only a ruse to avoid sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Now that the whole world is watching Ukraine, the gang is reuniting.
Women and young girls are often targets. The administration abandoned a pledge to restore schools for girls in grades six and above earlier this month. Women are not allowed to fly unless they are accompanied by a male relative. Segregation of public parks will be done on a gender basis. Some male government workers claim that they were advised that if they didn’t grow a lengthy beard, they would lose their employment.
At colleges, cell phone usage is prohibited, and foreign shows will no longer be shown on television. International media, such as the, which broadcasts in Pashto and Persian, is no longer broadcasting. Although sporadic demonstrations continue, the government has tightened down on opposition.
“The edicts stem from the demands of the Taliban’s hard-line supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada,” the Associated Press reports, citing “a senior Taliban official and Afghans familiar with the Taliban’s leadership.”
The Taliban put a restriction on Afghans leaving the country last month. Although a government spokeswoman subsequently retracted the statement, the threat of an exit restriction remains. For the hundreds of American friends and their families still stranded in Afghanistan, this might be a death sentence.
When the Taliban governed Afghanistan, it became a haven for al Qaeda, and the Taliban hasn’t broken its connections with the extremist organisation. The US is following terrorist operations in the nation, according to Central Command’s Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, but hasn’t launched an over-the-horizon attack since U.S. forces left.
The United States’ security and reputation were undermined by the chaotic and violent retreat, but spare a thought for the Afghans who are now controlled by barbarians. They will be the ones who suffer the most.
Review & Outlook (02/03/22): With the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi comes a valuable reminder that the threat of Islamic extremism hasn’t gone away. Images: AFP/Getty Images/White House/Zuma Press Composite: Mark Kelly
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The print issue of the March 31, 2022, was published.
