The Taliban, explained

Summary

The script chronicles the turbulent history of Afghanistan, highlighting the rise and rule of the Taliban, the impact of foreign interventions, and the struggles faced by the Afghan people, particularly women. Sweeta Noori, an educator, shares her harrowing experiences under Taliban rule in the late 1990s, emphasizing the severe restrictions placed on women’s rights, including education. The narrative explores Afghanistan’s political shifts, from Soviet occupation to U.S. involvement, and the Taliban's resurgence in 2021. Despite some shifts in their policies, the Taliban’s return raises concerns about the future of women’s rights, education, and the country’s stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan was largely due to the failure of other actors, not because they were good at governing.
• 😀 Afghanistan’s deep divisions, both ethnically and culturally, contributed to the rise of the Taliban as a dominant force, especially in Pashtun areas.
• 😀 The Taliban's rule, starting in 1996, was marked by oppressive policies, including the restriction of women's rights, education, and public freedoms.
• 😀 The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent mujahideen resistance laid the foundation for ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
• 😀 The Taliban's initial appeal to many Afghans was based on their promise of peace, especially after years of civil war and mujahideen infighting.
• 😀 Pakistan played a significant role in supporting the Taliban, fearing the rise of a hostile, India-aligned government in Afghanistan.
• 😀 The US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, ousted the Taliban but failed to stabilize the country in the long term.
• 😀 The American intervention in Afghanistan was marked by corruption, failed reconstruction projects, and the neglect of rural areas, which helped the Taliban regain strength.
• 😀 By 2020, the Taliban had regrouped and adapted, gaining a more diverse following across Afghanistan and consolidating power in rural areas.
• 😀 The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Taliban's subsequent return to power highlights the failure to establish a stable, democratic government.

Q & A

What was the most dangerous experience the speaker had while distributing books in Afghanistan?

The speaker's most dangerous experience occurred when they were stopped by the Taliban while distributing books to a remote village. The Taliban separated everyone and, being the only woman present, the speaker feared they would be killed, especially since their car was filled with books intended for the girls' school.

How did the Taliban rise to power in Afghanistan?

The Taliban rose to power in the mid-1990s after defeating the mujahideen, who had previously fought against the Soviet invasion. They initially gained support by bringing peace to Kandahar, but their control expanded through military victories, bribery, and support from Pakistan, eventually taking Kabul in 1996.

What was the Taliban's interpretation of Islam, and how did it affect Afghan society?

The Taliban's interpretation of Islam was influenced by Deobandi madrassas and Pashtun culture. It led to strict and repressive laws, particularly against women. Women were banned from education, forced to stay indoors unless accompanied by a male relative, and severely restricted from working. Many cultural practices, such as music and television, were banned.

How did the Taliban gain financial support during their initial rule in Afghanistan?

The Taliban raised funds by taxing highways and controlling Afghanistan's opium poppy-growing regions, which allowed them to profit from the illegal drug trade. Additionally, Pakistan provided significant support, including weapons and training, to help the Taliban consolidate power.

What role did Pakistan play in the Taliban's rise and their ability to govern Afghanistan?

Pakistan played a crucial role in the Taliban's rise to power by providing weapons, training, and shelter to Taliban leaders. They also feared that other mujahideen groups might form alliances with India's enemy, and therefore supported the Taliban as a counterbalance, ensuring a pro-Pakistan regime in Afghanistan.

What was the international response to the Taliban's rule, particularly after the September 11 attacks?

The international response to the Taliban's rule, especially after the September 11 attacks, was largely negative. The Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden led to the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. This invasion resulted in the collapse of the Taliban regime, though many fighters went into hiding and regrouped.

What was the effect of the US-led occupation of Afghanistan on the local population?

The US-led occupation of Afghanistan, which aimed to rebuild the country, faced significant challenges. While billions of dollars were spent on infrastructure, much of the funding was siphoned off due to corruption. The rural population, particularly in areas under Taliban control, continued to suffer from violence, neglect, and the harsh realities of war.

How did the Taliban adapt and grow stronger after the US invasion in 2001?

After the US invasion, the Taliban regrouped in Pakistan and began recruiting fighters, initially from the Pashtun areas but later expanding to include non-Pashtuns. They capitalized on the resentment towards US military operations, particularly the civilian casualties caused by drone strikes, and used guerrilla tactics such as roadside bombs and suicide attacks to regain power.

What challenges did the Afghan government face in trying to rebuild the country after the Taliban's fall in 2001?

The Afghan government faced major challenges, including widespread corruption, which eroded public trust. Despite billions of dollars in foreign aid, much of the reconstruction focused on urban areas while rural regions remained underdeveloped. The Afghan military and government were also plagued by inefficiency and the inability to effectively combat the Taliban insurgency.

What were the key factors that led to the Taliban's resurgence in the 2010s?

The key factors leading to the Taliban's resurgence in the 2010s included the ongoing corruption and instability of the Afghan government, the US's military focus shifting towards Iraq, and increasing public disillusionment with the lack of progress in rebuilding Afghanistan. The Taliban capitalized on these issues, reestablishing control in rural areas and threatening urban centers.