Life Under Taliban Rule: A Mixed Picture of Progress and Challenges

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, mixed reports have emerged about life under their new rule. On the positive side, significant improvements in security have been reported. Western NGO members and other civilians can now travel safely to areas that were once considered off-limits due to the frequent threat of car bombs in the cities. Internally displaced persons, who had been forced to flee their homes due to fighting, have begun to return to their original areas.

Positive Developments

The Taliban have announced some strict Islamic rules, such as banning music and requiring women to be accompanied by a male guardian for trips longer than a particular distance. However, these have seen little to no enforcement, especially in urban areas. The security improvements have allowed for safer travel and the return of internally displaced persons to their homes.

Negative Impacts

Dangerous factors have led to a challenging situation for the Afghan population. U.S. sanctions have led to restrictions on the use of bank savings, rendering the banking system almost non-functional. The impact of these sanctions is compounded by the halt in the payment of 75% of government salaries, previously funded by international aid. This halt has created economic instability, exacerbating the situation. Furthermore, a prolonged drought and the exceptionally harsh winter have led to food shortages and a lack of affordable fuel for heating.

The capacity to govern and run a country effectively is a skill that the Taliban are ill-prepared for. They underestimated the need for governing skills after their swift victory and were not ready for the high expectation of full responsibility. Many educated professionals have fled, leaving a significant lack of experienced personnel to manage the country.

Prospects and Alternative Solutions

While many may argue that the current situation is the result of their own actions, it is important to consider the 40 million innocent civilians who are also struggling. The state of the Afghan economy has deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread hardship.

A pragmatic approach to support Afghanistan would be to release the 9 billion dollars held by the Afghan Central Bank, specifically 7 billion in US accounts and 2 billion in Europe. Allowing this money to be used by the Afghan government would provide them with a fair chance to stabilize their economy. If they fail, at least it would not be due to intentional economic strangulation.

It is vital to maintain a balanced perspective and remember that the Taliban's actions are not isolated but part of a larger context. The future of Afghanistan depends on finding sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of its people.