'Suffocating restrictions' shadow five years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan

The Taliban is marking five years of ruling Afghanistan, celebrating what they claim is a more secure and free country. However, critics argue that the group's anniversary comes amid significant challenges, including sweeping restrictions on women and girls, economic hardship, and continued international isolation. According to Egypt Independent, the country's human rights and humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with approximately 45% of the population in need of humanitarian aid, which has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban's return to power.

The Taliban's restrictions on women and girls have been particularly severe, with the group systematically stripping them of their rights and agency. Egypt Independent describes the situation as "gender apartheid," with women and girls largely erased from public life. In contrast, the Taliban government claims to have brought security, infrastructure projects, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

University student Pirooz Mirzaie, cited by Free Malaysia Today and Hindustan Times - World News, acknowledges the government's achievements but notes that the biggest challenge for young people is the lack of jobs.

The international community has responded to the Taliban's rule with sanctions and aid cuts, although some countries are engaging with the group despite not officially recognizing its government. According to RFI English, some nations are concluding that working with the Taliban has become unavoidable. The US, once the top provider of assistance to Afghanistan, is no longer among the top five donor nations, with humanitarian aid to the country having plummeted since the Taliban's return to power.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, RFI English, Egypt Independent, Free Malaysia Today, Hindustan Times - World News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.