Afghanistan under the Taliban | DW Documentary

Summary

The video explores life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, focusing on the experiences of women, rural life, and the impacts of war. It follows Dr. Roshanak, a former politician and current doctor, who reflects on the country's struggles and her support for the Taliban. Despite the current peace, economic hardships and restrictions on women persist, with girls being denied education. The narrative contrasts the Taliban's vision of an Islamic state with the reality of poverty, repression, and the loss of freedoms, particularly for women. Afghans grapple with an uncertain future under the regime.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ Taliban fighters now rule the streets of Kabul, using weapons previously employed by their enemies.
• 🚶‍♀️ Afghan women feel oppressed and restricted under the new Taliban rule, with some comparing their lives to being imprisoned.
• 🌍 Despite hardships, some citizens express relief over the current peace compared to the past conflicts and violence.
• 🏥 Dr. Roshanak, a former politician and current gynecologist, supports the Taliban and works for their provincial health directorate, despite acknowledging past failures in Afghanistan's development.
• 👶 Many pregnant women in rural areas express a preference for having boys, believing that boys provide strength and protection for their families.
• 📉 Afghanistan is experiencing deep economic hardship, with rising food prices and an increasing number of people living in hunger and poverty.
• 📚 Girls' education is severely restricted, with the Taliban banning secondary education for females, leaving young girls' aspirations unfulfilled.
• 🚨 Public demonstrations by women for their rights are met with force, as Taliban fighters shoot live rounds to disperse protests.
• 🖋️ Women like Aisha, who were once active in society, have lost their jobs and educational opportunities and now express their frustrations privately, blaming the West for abandoning Afghanistan.
• 🎨 Traditional livelihoods, such as pottery, are struggling under the Taliban regime, with fewer customers and strict societal controls affecting local businesses.

Q & A

What has changed in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power?

The Taliban's return has significantly affected daily life, particularly for Afghan women. Many feel they have lost their freedom and opportunities, while others acknowledge the restoration of peace after years of conflict.

How do some women in rural Afghanistan view the Taliban's return?

Some women, like Dr. Roshanak, a gynecologist and former politician, express mixed feelings. While Dr. Roshanak supported the Taliban in the past and acknowledges the relative peace now, she remains critical of their impact on development and education, particularly for girls.

What is the significance of boys in Afghan rural society according to the script?

Boys are seen as the power of the family, as they can fight and protect the household. Families with more boys are considered stronger, while those with only girls are viewed as weaker and more vulnerable to attacks.

What is the current situation for women regarding education under the Taliban?

The Taliban has effectively banned girls from secondary education, which has dashed the dreams of many young women who aspired to become doctors or pursue other careers.

How does Dr. Roshanak view the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule?

Dr. Roshanak hopes the Taliban will change their stance on girls' education, recognizing that without women's participation in society, Afghanistan cannot achieve development.

What is the current economic situation in Afghanistan as described in the script?

Afghanistan is facing a deep economic crisis, with soaring food prices and widespread hunger. More than half the population is hungry, and women are seen begging for bread outside bakeries.

How do the Taliban justify the current economic hardship in Afghanistan?

The Taliban blame the economic crisis on sanctions, freezing of assets, and cuts in foreign aid, which they attribute to the international community's response to their return to power.

What is the Taliban's vision for Afghanistan according to the Ministry of Vice and Virtue spokesman?

The Taliban aim to build a Sharia-based state that reflects the desires of the Afghan people, enforcing Islamic law and gender segregation. They believe they are fulfilling the nation's long struggle for Islamic rule.

How has life changed for young women like Aisha since the Taliban took power?

Aisha, who used to be politically active and studied journalism, has lost her job and can no longer afford university fees. She feels her hopes and spirit have been crushed under the Taliban regime, and she is largely withdrawn from public life.

How has the Taliban's return affected traditional artisans like Abdulmanan, the potter from Istalif?

Abdulmanan's pottery business has been severely impacted as tourists, especially foreigners, no longer visit the village due to Taliban restrictions. The Ministry of Vice and Virtue has discouraged families from coming for picnics and shopping, leading to a decline in business for local artisans.