The Taliban government of Afghanistan this month celebrates three years in power. Although one of its most significant achievements was its consolidation of power under an Islamic Emirate, there are several issues still requiring attention. Humanitarian issues are a concern.
Speaking in an interview with Salaamedia on Thursday, Kabul-based expert on foreign policy and international relations Dr. Abdul Hai Qanit said the regime was focused on uniting the nation.
“One of the problems in Afghanistan for the past 20 years was the distribution of power among warlords. It is the first time in the history of Afghanistan, of the past 40 years, that we have one government in place in the centre of Kabul,” he said.
Between 2001 and 2021, the Asian country was steeped in turmoil as the United States led an invasion. Their dramatic exit in August 2021 paved the way for the return of an Islamic Emirate, now led by a caretaker government.
Qanit said despite efforts towards united leadership, the country still faced a number of challenges. Some 23.7 million people – more than half the population – requires humanitarian assistance, for example.
He said a sleuth of challenges will be better addressed once a permanent government is put into place.
“This government is a caretaker government. We have to have a permanent government that is based on a Constitution and that has to work for the stability of the country, whether it is political, economic or security.”
At the same time, rights groups have criticised the current regime for its position on womens’ rights. Human Rights Watch (HRW) notes that it is the only country on the planet where girls are barred from reaching schooling beyond sixth grade.
Taliban united Afghanistan, but humanitarian issues persist
