Afghanistan: What to do with the Taliban 2.0, five years after their return to Kabul?

It has been five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following years of civil war. The chaotic scenes at Kabul airport during their takeover, with young people clinging to aircraft, remain a stark memory for many.

Today, the second generation of Taliban rulers, often referred to as "students," maintains its grip on the country. The article probes the factors contributing to their sustained authority, questioning whether it stems from an "overwhelming authority" imposed across Afghanistan, a population yearning for tranquility after decades of instability, or the widespread corruption of the previous U.S.-backed government under President Ashraf Ghani, making the current strict discipline more acceptable despite its discriminatory nature towards women.

The author suggests that a combination of these elements likely plays a role. The Taliban regime's strict discipline, while harsh, may be viewed by some as preferable to the chaos and corruption that preceded it. However, this is juxtaposed with the regime's deeply discriminatory policies, particularly against women, which continue to draw international condemnation.

The article, published as an opinion piece, reflects on the complex reality of Afghanistan five years into Taliban rule. It acknowledges that the regime has not faced significant external opposition to its governance, which it describes as "erratic." The piece invites readers to consider the multifaceted reasons behind this enduring control, touching upon the population's potential desire for order and the lingering impact of the previous administration's perceived failings.