Taliban's ultra-extremist rule pushes Afghanistan toward collapse amid growing resistance

Five years after retaking power, the Taliban's ultra-extremist rule in Afghanistan shows no signs of moderation. Despite initial pledges to respect rights and prevent terrorism, the group has tightened its repressive, misogynist grip. This hardline ideology, not practiced elsewhere in the Muslim world, governs without popular legitimacy or international recognition, though Russia has formally recognized the regime and others like China have boosted diplomatic and economic ties.

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The Taliban has brought Afghanistan close to collapse, but resistance is growing.

The Taliban faces growing internal security challenges and a breakdown in relations with its former patron, Pakistan, whose defense minister declared "open war" on the group. Meanwhile, millions of Afghans endure unprecedented poverty, mass unemployment, and a severe lack of basic goods, with some families resorting to selling children to survive. The situation is exacerbated by decisions like the shuttering of USAID and Pakistan's closure of transit roads.

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Acting in the name of a self-centred version of Islam, the group has made no effort to modify its hardline ideological beliefs in favour of a more humane and inclusive approach to governing.

Internationally, the Taliban's isolation persists. While some nations pursue economic ties, many Afghans have sought asylum abroad, with host countries keen on deportation. The group's leaders have engaged with EU officials over refugee flows, a move criticized by rights groups. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of terrorism's resurgence from Afghanistan, highlighting the precarious state of the nation under Taliban rule.

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The United Nations has issued repeated warnings about the resurgence of terrorism from Afghanistan.