The return of the Taliban to power in August 2021 irrevocably Afghanistan transformed, ushering in a dramatic shift across all facets of Afghan society. After two decades of international presence and attempts at nation-building, the swift collapse of the Western-backed government led to the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, bringing with it profound changes in governance, human rights, and the economy.
One of the most immediate and stark transformations has been the severe regression in women’s rights. Despite initial promises of moderation, the Taliban have systematically imposed draconian restrictions. Girls are banned from secondary and higher education, women are largely excluded from public life and most employment, and strict dress codes are enforced, fundamentally altering the lives of Afghan women and girls.
Economically, Afghanistan transformed into a nation facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The freezing of international aid and foreign reserves, coupled with existing droughts and decades of conflict, has plunged millions into poverty. The economy has contracted sharply, leading to widespread food insecurity and an urgent need for humanitarian assistance to prevent widespread starvation.
The Taliban’s governance style has brought a harsh interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has been reinstated, enforcing prohibitions on behavior deemed un-Islamic, including music, television, and specific dress codes. Public floggings and executions have also resumed in some areas, highlighting a stark shift in the justice system.
Security, while a stated priority for the Taliban, remains a complex issue. While large-scale conflict between the Taliban and the former government forces has ended, new threats have emerged, notably from the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a rival extremist group. Attacks on civilians, particularly minority groups, continue to occur, underscoring the ongoing security challenges even as Afghanistan transformed.
The media landscape has also significantly changed. Journalists face arbitrary arrests, harassment, and severe restrictions on press freedom, leading to widespread self-censorship and the closure of numerous news organizations. The independent media, a significant gain of the past two decades, has been largely stifled under the new regime’s tight control.
Internationally, the Taliban’s government struggles for legitimacy. No country has formally recognized the Islamic Emirate, hindering Afghanistan’s access to global financial systems and diplomatic engagement. While the Taliban seeks alternative partners like China and Russia, significant economic and political isolation persists, reflecting the complex global response to how Afghanistan transformed.