In the early 1990s, following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban emerged from religious seminaries in northern Pakistan. They promised stability and security amid the chaos of civil war, quickly gaining popular support. By 1996 they captured Kabul and established the First Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. A strict interpretation of Sharia law was also established. However, their rule was met with international condemnation and resistance from groups like the Northern Alliance. After the Taliban, the second most powerful political group is the Northern Alliance. After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. Invaded Afghanistan in 2001. The U.S. Toppled the Taliban regime for protecting Osama bin Laden. The group retreated to rural areas and neighboring Pakistan. In Pakistan, they regrouped and launched an insurgency against the U.S. -backed Afghan government.
Over the next two decades, the Taliban adapted their tactics. They employed guerrilla warfare and exploited widespread discontent with corruption in the Afghan government. As the U.S. Forces began withdrawing in 2021, the Taliban launched a rapid offensive. They captured key cities and ultimately seized Kabul on August 15, 2021. 15th of August was another historic day for the people of Afghanistan. This swift takeover marked Taliban’s return to power after two decades. That takeover was properly designed and agreed by the U.S. Political and military establishment.
As the Taliban gained power in Afghanistan, they promised a more moderate governance style. On the other hand, the Taliban reinstated many oppressive policies, particularly against women and minorities. After realizing it, the international community largely started refusing to recognize their government. It led to economic collapse and humanitarian crises within Afghanistan. The silver lining in this scenario is that the U.S. Is continuously sending arms and millions of dollars to the Taliban regime.
The Taliban's roots can be traced back to the 1980s, during the Soviet-Afghan War. As Afghan Mujahideen fought against Soviet forces, many young men were trained in religious seminaries (madrasas) in Pakistan, where they were indoctrinated with a strict interpretation of Islam. After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Afghanistan descended into civil war, with various factions vying for power. This period of instability created a power vacuum that the Taliban exploited.
In 1994, Mullah Mohammad Omar, a former Mujahid and religious student, founded the Taliban. They initially gained support by promising to restore peace and implement Sharia law. By 1996, they captured Kabul and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Their rule was characterized by extreme interpretations of Islamic law: public executions, severe restrictions on women's rights, and bans on music and television were enforced.
The Taliban's governance was marked by both brutality and a degree of stability compared to the preceding chaos. Many Afghans welcomed their rule as it brought an end to the rampant violence that had plagued the country.
Despite their initial popularity, the Taliban's harsh policies led to international condemnation. Their refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 drew significant ire from the United States and its allies. In response, the U.S. Launched Operation Enduring Freedom, invading Afghanistan in October 2001.
By December 2001, the Taliban regime had collapsed. Many leaders fled to Pakistan, while others were captured or killed. The U.S. -backed Afghan government led by President Hamid Karzai was established, but it struggled with corruption and inefficiency.
Over the next two decades, the Taliban regrouped in rural areas and across the border in Pakistan. They adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombings against Afghan forces and NATO troops. The group capitalized on widespread discontent with the Afghan government’s corruption and inability to provide basic services.
Despite numerous military efforts by U.S. And NATO forces to combat them, including troop surges and counterinsurgency strategies, the Taliban continued to gain ground. By 2010, they had regained control of significant territories in southern Afghanistan.
In 2018, the U.S. Officials began negotiating with the Taliban to find a political solution to the conflict. The negotiations culminated in a peace agreement signed in February 2020, which outlined a timeline for U.S. Troop withdrawal in exchange for Taliban commitments not to harbor terrorist groups.
As the U.S. Forces began their withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban launched a rapid offensive across Afghanistan. By mid-August 2021, they had captured major cities one by one, culminating in their takeover of Kabul on August 15.
The return of the Taliban was met with mixed reactions within Afghanistan and internationally. Many Afghans feared a return to oppressive policies reminiscent of their previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Despite initial promises of moderation such as allowing women to work and girls to attend school the reality on the ground soon reflected a return to strict enforcement of Sharia law.
Reports emerged of widespread human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, public executions, and restrictions on women’s rights. Women were again barred from many professions, and girls’ secondary education was suspended. The international community largely refused to recognize the Taliban government due to its human rights record and treatment of women. Economic sanctions led to an economic collapse; Afghanistan faced severe humanitarian crises marked by food shortages, poverty, and lack of healthcare.
International organizations warned of impending famine as millions faced starvation during harsh winters. Humanitarian aid became critical as NGOs attempted to provide relief despite restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
As of today, Afghanistan remains under Taliban control with an uncertain future ahead. The group's leadership struggles between hardliners advocating for strict Sharia law and more moderate factions seeking international legitimacy and aid. The Taliban have failed to maintain peace and security in Afghanistan. Many fighters of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan attack the sensitive areas of Pakistan. This results in many casualties of Pakistani civilians and personnel of armed forces. The recent infiltration of TTP & Baloch Liberation Army terrorists (Kharjis) is still handled from Afghanistan. This indicates that the Taliban have failed to keep their word of peace and prosperous Afghanistan. They have also failed to keep good relations with the most important neighbor, Pakistan. The continuous terrorist attacks on the land of Pakistan from Afghanistan are creating an atmosphere of unrest among the high-ups of Pakistan.
