Last October, I wrote my first-ever news article for The Stork on how the lives of Afghan civilians have changed since the Taliban return to power in August 2021. Since then, the human rights situation, particularly concerning women’s rights, has worsened significantly. Despite this, the current government is getting more recognition from world leaders, fostering diplomatic relationships, and participating in international-level conferences. This article analyzes the new laws imposed by the Taliban and the reasons behind their growing international acceptance.
The Broken Promises
The Taliban regained power on 15 August 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. That summer, countless innocent Afghan civilians fled their homeland, seeking refuge in neighboring countries. I clearly remember how thousands of Afghans were crossing the Tajik-Afghan border, hoping to escape Taliban rule. It was almost unimaginable that the Taliban would reclaim full control and begin building diplomatic relationships. I personally could not believe that Afghanistan would be left alone in the fight against the Taliban, with little to no international support. Most people, especially Afghan civilians unable to escape, feared the return of the Taliban’s harsh traditional laws.
Initially, the Taliban promised to avoid reinstating their former ultra-conservative policies. I remember reading investigative pieces about this assurance and holding onto the hope that the regime might empower women this time. However, not long after the announcement, the government started implementing new laws, mainly prohibiting women from pursuing education beyond sixth grade and banning them from attending higher education institutions.
After the university ban was enforced, it seemed like the harshest measure the regime could impose. However, two years later, in August 2024, women were banned from freely speaking in public. This ban has already proved that the promises the regime made three years ago were useless words to prevent people from migrating and to create a first positive impression.
Following this restriction, some experts speculated that the Taliban might eventually ban women from even hearing one another’s voices. At that moment, the predictions seemed unreal until the new ban was enforced. By the end of October 2024, women were banned from speaking to each other. Additionally, women were forbidden from reciting the Quran in front of other women, singing, or engaging in any vocal interactions with other females. These measures have severely restricted Afghan women’s lives and silenced their voices.
The introduction of these new laws has made life even more difficult for Afghan women. They are now prohibited from engaging in various activities outside their homes, further challenging their existence and well-being. Especially, women facing health or psychological challenges may be unable to access adequate care.
Additionally, the ban on education deprives women of opportunities to improve their futures and provide their children with a good quality education. The lack of education in society can make the next generation more susceptible to Taliban propaganda, increasing the risk of them joining extremist groups.
It is important to emphasize that the Taliban’s new bans are rooted in their own interpretation of Sharia law. Many members of this extremist group come from deeply traditional communities where men hold unfair power over women. Growing up in such an environment, young people are exposed to propaganda that reinforces their dominance and privileges, making them more likely to join the organization.
Although I was raised in a conservative society, the Taliban were always portrayed as uneducated individuals ignorant of the true principles of Sharia law. Their actions seem less about faith and more about using religion as a tool to manipulate people and assert their dominance.
The Danger of Acceptance
While some countries criticize the Taliban, others are fostering ties with their government. Regional powers such as Uzbekistan, the UAE, China, and Russia have pragmatic reasons – security, trade, and influence – for engaging with the Taliban.
Uzbekistan, for example, shares a 160-kilometer border with Afghanistan and seeks stability to prevent cross-border tensions. Furthermore, trade agreements play a significant role. The Uzbek government benefits from transit fees for goods passing through its borders to such countries as Kazakhstan and China. Moreover, the country has expressed interest in resuming humanitarian operations to ship food and medical supplies.
China’s relationship with the Taliban is driven by strategic investments. In 2023, a large number of Chinese companies signed multimillion-dollar contracts, including a 25-year oil extraction deal worth $540 million. China’s decision to engage stems not only from economic interests but also from its desire to boost its reputation and regional influence following the US withdrawal.
The global recognition of the Taliban raises concerns about the future of women’s rights in Afghanistan. While the Taliban have not gained formal acknowledgment from major organizations like the United Nations, increasing interest from various countries makes Afghanistan an attractive partner for strategic and economic reasons. This growing recognition risks empowering other extremist groups in the region, potentially leading to destabilization in neighboring countries. For example, in Tajikistan, where the Taliban are still regarded as an extremist organization, their recognition could empower smaller extremist groups, creating the possibility for further tensions.
Recognizing the Taliban undermines fundamental human rights. Afghan women, who have long fought against oppression, now face a world where their rights are overshadowed by economic and political priorities. The increasing acceptance of the Taliban demonstrates that for some countries, economic interests outweigh the rights and dignity of Afghan women.
Featured image provided by the Switzerland’s Seat in the Security Council 2023-2024.
