On Friday, thousands of men gathered across Kabul to watch helicopters scatter flowers in celebration of the Taliban’s fourth year in power—an event women were banned from attending. Three of the six locations for the “flower shower” were already off-limits to women, who have been barred from parks and recreational areas since November 2022.
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after two decades of war. Since then, they have enforced their strict interpretation of Islamic law, imposing sweeping restrictions on women and girls under orders from their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Friday’s anniversary event, which included speeches by cabinet members, was men-only. A planned outdoor sports performance featuring Afghan athletes was canceled.
Human rights groups, foreign governments, and the UN have condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, who remain excluded from most jobs, education beyond sixth grade, and many public spaces.
In protest, members of the United Afghan Women’s Movement for Freedom held an indoor demonstration in Takhar province, calling the Taliban’s rule “a black domination that erased women from work, education, and society.” They described August 15 as “an open wound in history” and vowed to resist despite the oppression. A similar protest took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, where Afghan women held signs condemning the Taliban while fully veiled.
Earlier that day, Akhundzada warned that God would punish Afghans who failed to appreciate Islamic rule. In a rare statement, he claimed sharia law had saved the country from corruption and crime, urging gratitude for these “divine blessings.”
Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, accusing them of crimes against humanity for persecuting women and girls. The ICC cited policies that systematically denied women education, freedom of movement, and basic rights.
This year’s anniversary was quieter than last year’s military parade at a former U.S. airbase, which drew criticism from Donald Trump over abandoned American equipment. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a worsening humanitarian crisis.Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans forced to leave Iran and Pakistan, while international aid funding has drastically decreased.
FAQS
### **FAQs: Four Years Since the Taliban Regained Control of Afghanistan**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. When did the Taliban regain control of Afghanistan?**
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan on **August 15, 2021**, after capturing Kabul as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew.
**2. What was Afghanistan like before the Taliban’s return?**
Before 2021, Afghanistan had a U.S.-backed government, limited freedoms for women, and ongoing conflict, but also media, education, and some democratic processes.
**3. How has life changed for Afghans since the Taliban took over?**
Women’s rights have sharply declined, media is restricted, the economy has collapsed, and international aid has reduced.
**4. Is Afghanistan recognized as a country by other nations now?**
Most countries, including the U.S., do not formally recognize the Taliban government but engage with them on issues like aid and security.
#### **Human Rights & Society**
**5. What restrictions do women face under Taliban rule?**
Women are banned from:
– Secondary & university education
– Most jobs
– Public spaces without a male guardian
– Many forms of entertainment
**6. Are girls allowed to go to school?**
Primary school is permitted, but most girls over 12 are barred from education. Universities remain closed to women.
**7. How do Afghans resist Taliban policies?**
Some protest secretly, run underground schools, use VPNs for banned content, or flee the country. Resistance is dangerous.
#### **Economy & International Relations**
**8. Why is Afghanistan’s economy struggling?**
– Frozen foreign reserves
– Loss of international aid
– Sanctions and reduced trade
**9. Does the Taliban control all of Afghanistan?**
Mostly, but groups like ISIS-K carry out attacks, and some local resistance exists.
**10. Are other countries helping Afghanistan?**
Some aid comes through the UN and NGOs, but direct government funding is limited due to Taliban policies (e.g., banning women from
