Taliban mark five years in power amid escalating crises warnings

The Taliban marked five years in power on Saturday, projecting an image of control with a government-described "victory day" parade in Kabul. Armored vehicles and banners celebrated the end of Western domination, with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani attributing their return to "morale, courage" and "divine assistance." However, he also acknowledged existing "issues and problems."

International organizations and the UN highlight the Taliban's struggle to manage Afghanistan's natural and humanitarian crises over the past five years. These challenges are exacerbated by severe restrictions on women and girls, with UNESCO reporting 2.5 million barred from secondary education and universities. UN Women data indicates that half of Afghan women now leave their homes only once or twice a month.

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their return to power was the result of “morale, courage” and “divine assistance.”

Since their 2021 return, the Taliban's government remains unrecognized by most of the world, with Russia being the sole exception. Relations with Pakistan are strained, as Islamabad accuses Kabul of supporting Pakistani insurgents. The Taliban have also faced internal security challenges, including recent assassinations of key regional officials in the northeast, with Islamic State claiming responsibility for some attacks.

Despite the lack of international recognition, analysts suggest the Taliban have made quiet diplomatic inroads. They are increasingly seeking arrangements with European countries regarding the deportation of Afghans and are leveraging Afghanistan's strategic location for economic deals. This comes as some nations re-evaluate their influence and the necessity of engaging with the current government.

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issues and problems that may still exist.