Three Years of Taliban Rule: A Military Parade and Mixed Reactions
As Afghanistan’s Taliban regime marked three years in power with a military parade at the former US air base in Bagram, the event showcased their military might and celebrated their victory over “Western occupiers”. The parade featured Soviet-era tanks, homemade bombs, fighter aircraft, and a display of goose-stepping security forces.
Despite the pomp and show, the Taliban government’s rule remains unrecognised internationally, with ongoing restrictions on women leading to criticism from human rights groups. Afghan women have been particularly affected by the Taliban’s policies, with many feeling that their dreams have been buried under the new regime.
While the Taliban have made security a key priority and continue to fight against the Islamic State group, challenges such as a stagnant economy and a growing humanitarian crisis persist. International NGOs have raised concerns about aid funding shortfalls and the need to address the rights of Afghan women.
As Afghanistan navigates its new reality under Taliban rule, the third anniversary of their takeover serves as a stark reminder of the country’s complex challenges and the need for sustained international engagement.