Five years of Taliban in Afghanistan: They shoot at the legs

Five years after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, the regime continues to impose strict restrictions on women’s rights, with reports of violence against protesters and growing resistance both within the country and among the diaspora. The situation has deepened over time, marked by systemic oppression, internal divisions, and external diplomatic tensions. The Taliban took power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. After months of negotiations, the final American troops left the military base in Bagram, and the Taliban moved swiftly to reclaim full authority. Despite agreements to allow them to approach Kabul only after the last U.S. soldier had departed, the group bypassed these terms and assumed complete control. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, marking the collapse of his government and triggering widespread displacement. The Taliban quickly began enforcing their interpretation of Islamic law, which has led to severe limitations on women's freedoms. Women and girls have been systematically excluded from public life under the Taliban’s rule. They are prohibited from attending schools beyond grade seven and are banned from universities entirely. Public spaces such as workplaces and educational institutions remain segregated by gender, with women required to wear veils and avoid interaction with men outside their families. These policies have created a climate of fear and isolation, with many women forced into domestic roles or underground activism. Recent reports indicate that even basic aspects of daily life, such as using perfume during weddings, have become subject to Taliban scrutiny. Activists describe this as a form of “gender apartheid,” arguing that it constitutes a crime against humanity and should be legally recognized. Despite the oppressive environment, pockets of resistance persist. In June, a rare protest erupted in Herat, where men and women reportedly marched together in response to the arrest of women who were allegedly improperly veiled. According to eyewitness accounts, the Taliban responded with gunfire, leaving one teenager dead. Subsequent planned protests were canceled after warnings from the regime. Women’s groups increasingly rely on online platforms to organize and share information, connecting with international campaigns aimed at raising awareness of their plight. However, even private gatherings remain risky, as the Taliban maintains tight control over public behavior. Armed resistance has also emerged, though it remains fragmented and localized. In mid-July, fighters in the northeastern province of Badakhshan briefly captured a district center from the Taliban, marking one of the few instances of direct confrontation. This action sparked hope among some in the Afghan diaspora that it could signal the beginning of a broader challenge to the regime. Yet, the movement lacks coordination, and rival factions often compete for influence. Some armed groups have expressed interest in aligning with foreign powers, including the United States, hoping for military intervention similar to past conflicts. However, such aspirations remain speculative, given the complex geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, Germany and other Western nations continue to provide aid to Afghanistan without engaging directly with the Taliban. Federal Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan emphasized that Germany will not collaborate with the regime, instead channeling assistance through independent partners such as the United Nations and the World Bank. She stated that while the Taliban’s policies cannot be changed, German aid aims to support women in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic independence. The German government recognizes the Taliban administration but maintains technical contacts to facilitate repatriation efforts. Critics argue that this approach leaves many Afghan citizens vulnerable, particularly as the regime continues its crackdown on dissent.