Iqbal Ahmad, Kroc Institute Fellow, writes of how, three years since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan has devolved into one of the most repressive regimes in the world resulting in severe hardship and a third generation of Afghan refugees.
The following article was published in the November-December 2024 issue of NewsNotes.
More than two decades after the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, Afghanistan found itself thrust back into darkness in August 2021, when the group regained control. This stark reversal marks a heartbreaking chapter in the country’s ongoing struggle for freedom and development. Citizens, once filled with hope for a brighter future, now grapple with severe restrictions and an uncertain existence, facing some of the most daunting challenges imaginable. In this landscape of despair, the resilience of the Afghan people is constantly tested as they navigate the harsh realities of life under renewed oppression.
The year 2001 marked a pivotal moment for Afghanistan, igniting a spark of hope as the nation began its journey toward rebuilding a prosperous future grounded in democratic values and bolstered by international support. Over the past two decades, despite facing numerous challenges—including a fragile institutional framework and ongoing conflict, the country made notable strides in education and civil rights. These advancements fostered a growing sense of empowerment among citizens, especially women and youth, who began to envision a brighter future.
However, this progress faced a significant setback in 2021 when the peace process collapsed, and the Taliban regained control. This unexpected shift cast a shadow over the achievements of the previous two decades, leaving many to fear for the future. Hopes for a stable and democratic society quickly faded as the reality of renewed oppression set in. Citizens confronted a regime intent on rolling back their hard-won rights and freedoms. As the world watched, concerns about the nation’s path forward deepened, raising urgent questions about its future amidst such uncertainty.
Three years since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan has devolved into one of the most repressive regimes globally, characterized by a stark regression in human rights, particularly for women. The Taliban’s complete ban on secondary education for girls stands as a chilling hallmark of their oppressive rule, effectively restraining the hopes and futures of an entire generation.
Meanwhile, the media, which once served as a vital channel for information and public discourse, is now heavily monitored and censored, leaving little room for dissent or critical thought. Civil society has been dismantled, with any attempts at activism or independent thought met with brutal reprisals, creating an atmosphere of fear and silence that pervades daily life. In this environment, the promise of a more progressive and inclusive Afghanistan remains a distant memory, overshadowed by a regime that thrives on oppression and control.
The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, fueled by political instability and the recent government upheaval, has plunged the population into severe oppression and economic hardship, resulting in a staggering refugee crisis. As reported by the UN, nearly 10.9 million Afghans remain displaced due to over four decades of conflict, making Afghanistan the third-largest displaced population globally, following Syria and Ukraine.
This mass displacement encompasses both those internally displaced within the country and those seeking refuge abroad, most recently escaping the dire realities of life under the Taliban. The humanitarian impact is profound, with families torn apart, communities shattered, and countless individuals facing uncertain futures in foreign lands.
Despite the Taliban’s assurances of amnesty following their takeover, the reality on the ground is unpredictable and starkly different from their promises. Many former government officials have been executed or forcibly disappeared in the wake of the Taliban’s return to power, particularly after the collapse of the peace process.
Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, noted, “The Taliban leadership’s promised amnesty has not prevented local commanders from summarily executing or disappearing former Afghan security force members.” Consequently, a significant number of Afghans have fled to neighboring countries and beyond, seeking safety amid an atmosphere uncertainty and fear.
Afghanistan’s journey from hope to despair is a sharp reminder of the fragility of progress in the face of tyranny. The past two decades offered glimpses of a brighter future, marked by advancements in education, civil rights, and democratic values. However, the Taliban’s resurgence has shattered those aspirations, plunging the nation into renewed oppression and economic turmoil.
The widespread displacement of millions underscores the profound humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold. Yet, without meaningful support and advocacy, the dreams of a free and prosperous Afghanistan may remain out of reach, lost in the shadows of oppression. The urgent need for global attention and action has never been more critical to safeguard the rights and futures of the Afghan people.
Faith in action
Write to Congress in support of the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act at https://mogc.info/FPAAA
Photo of Marines guarding an evacuation checkpoint at Kabul Airport, 20 August 2021, by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla, released by the United States Marine Corp.