Taliban's 2-Year Rule in Afghanistan: A Look at Changes, Losses, and Unfulfilled Promises

The Taliban celebrated the second anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, marking what they called "Afghanistan's Independence day from the US occupation." The Taliban authorities held official events across the country, while no country has recognized their government. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen denied that they were anti-woman, stating that they support women's progress by allowing them to study nursing and specialize as doctors. However, the UN has accused the Taliban of practicing gender apartheid, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that engagement with the Taliban is conditional on their support for women's rights. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is facing a major humanitarian crisis, with millions of people threatened by hunger and dependent on aid.