Damon Mcknight
The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has elicited a range of reactions from world leaders, organisations, and citizens. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged the UN Security Council to suppress the global terrorist threat in Afghanistan and guarantee respect for basic human rights. The US President, Joe Biden, defended his decision to withdraw US troops, emphasising the country's counterterrorism focus and the need to avoid endless military deployments. He acknowledged the gut-wrenching scenes and accepted responsibility for the outcome. The UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand expressed deep concern over the situation, with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab alluding to potential sanctions. The EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, highlighted the crossroads Afghanistan finds itself in, impacting security and well-being. Neighbouring countries like Iran, Pakistan, and India are grappling with the immediate consequences, including potential refugee crises and shifts in regional dynamics. The reactions reflect a mix of shock, condemnation, and calls for action to address the unfolding humanitarian and human rights crisis in Afghanistan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries | Britain, United Nations, United States, Iran, European Union, Qatar, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Somalia, India, Pakistan, China, and Russia |
| Reaction | Condemnation, calls for peace, criticism of the US, and joy |
| Action | Evacuation, sanctions, aid, and military deployment |
What You'll Learn
The US withdrawal from Afghanistan
The withdrawal was not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the US abandoned its allies and rushed the exit. The evacuation was chaotic, with thousands of Afghans attempting to flee the country as the Taliban rapidly advanced and seized control of the country. The US and its allies evacuated over 120,000 people, including US citizens, Afghan allies, and vulnerable Afghans.
The Taliban's return to power raised concerns about human rights, particularly regarding women and girls, and the potential for Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorist groups. Indeed, the Taliban has imposed strict rules limiting women's rights and freedoms, and the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
The US withdrawal also had broader geopolitical implications. Regional powers such as Iran, Russia, and China sought to engage with the Taliban and secure their interests in the region. The withdrawal also sparked debates about the future of US foreign policy, with some arguing for a more isolationist approach and others calling for continued US engagement in global affairs.
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The Taliban's treatment of women
Education
The Taliban have banned girls from attending school past the sixth grade, and barred women from university education. This has been enforced in different provinces at different times, with some still allowing girls to attend secondary school. However, the Taliban have also banned boys' and girls' co-education, and prohibited women from teaching in universities.
Employment
The Taliban have barred women from working in most sectors, including government offices, NGOs, and the justice system. They have also banned women from working for international organisations or on women's empowerment projects. Women are prohibited from working as lawyers or judges, and from holding decision-making or managerial positions.
Healthcare
The Taliban have restricted women's access to healthcare, with female patients only allowed to be treated by female doctors. As there is a shortage of female healthcare professionals, this has led to illnesses going untreated. Women are also banned from working in healthcare, with exceptions for primary education or healthcare workers.
Freedom of Movement
The Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on women's freedom of movement, including banning them from travelling outside the country without a male chaperone, or "mahram". Women are also banned from travelling on long-distance road trips without a mahram, and from entering health centres, parks, gyms, and historic places without one.
Dress Code
The Taliban have mandated that women wear a burqa or Arab-style hijab when outside the home, and cover their faces in public.
Social and Cultural Life
The Taliban have banned women from participating in sports, and from visiting public parks, public baths, and historic places. They have also banned beauty salons and female-run bakeries. Women are prohibited from laughing loudly, and from wearing nail varnish and cosmetics.
Enforcement
Violations of the Taliban's prohibitions can result in flogging, stoning, or worse. The Taliban have also invalidated divorces that were under review during the previous government, forcing women to return to abusive marriages.
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The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The crisis is a result of four decades of conflict, poverty, repeated disasters, and an economic downturn. The Taliban's takeover in August 2021 has further exacerbated the situation, with millions of Afghans requiring food assistance and other support. The country's economy has deteriorated, with international assistance paused or cut back, the central bank isolated from the global banking system, and the US freezing billions of dollars in Afghan assets. As a result, Afghans are experiencing food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and a lack of protection and education for children.
The crisis has particularly affected women and girls, who face gender-based discrimination and violence. The Taliban has banned girls from secondary and higher education and women from most jobs. Women are not allowed to participate in political or public life and are restricted in their movement. They also face increased protection risks and higher levels of humanitarian need. The Taliban's policies have isolated Afghanistan internationally, leading to a suspension or reduction in development assistance.
Humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid due to funding shortfalls and the complex set of sanctions that complicate aid delivery. The UN's request for humanitarian assistance is less than 30% funded, and the lack of funding has forced the World Food Programme to cut off support for millions of people. The situation has been further exacerbated by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The international community must address the underlying economic drivers of the crisis and support long-term sustainable solutions. This includes increasing humanitarian assistance, improving economic stability, and resuming development aid. The World Bank-managed Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund could be a part of a systematic approach to break the cycle of crises, but it requires additional funding and an expanded scope.
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The future of human rights in Afghanistan
The international community has expressed concern about the human rights situation in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to abide by their international human rights obligations. The United Nations, in particular, has been active in trying to protect human rights in Afghanistan, with the UN Human Rights Council adopting a resolution establishing a special rapporteur on Afghanistan. However, the Taliban have yet to demonstrate a commitment to improving the human rights situation, and the country faces a deteriorating humanitarian and economic crisis that further exacerbates the challenges.
The lack of recognition of the Taliban government by other countries and the interruption of international development assistance and frozen Afghan assets abroad have contributed to the economic crisis. The Taliban's refusal to allow women to work with the United Nations and international NGOs has also hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid and exacerbated the crisis.
To improve the human rights situation in Afghanistan, the Taliban must abide by their international human rights obligations, end arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings, respect freedom of expression and media, and uphold the rights of women and girls to education, employment, and participation in public life. The international community must also step up its efforts to provide humanitarian aid and ensure that it reaches those most in need.
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The international community's response
United States
The United States, which had a significant military presence in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years, faced heavy criticism for its handling of the withdrawal. President Biden defended his decision, stating that the US mission to degrade the terrorist threat of al-Qaeda and kill Osama bin Laden was accomplished. He acknowledged the painful nature of the situation and committed to supporting the Afghan people through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid.
United Nations
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the UN Security Council to suppress the global terrorist threat in Afghanistan and guarantee respect for basic human rights. The UN also launched the largest single-country aid appeal in its history to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
European Union
The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized the importance of security and the wellbeing of Afghanistan's citizens, convening EU foreign ministers to discuss the situation. The EU set five benchmarks for engagement with the Taliban government, including respect for human rights, particularly those of women and girls, and the formation of an inclusive government.
United Kingdom
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stated that the UK would use all means at its disposal to hold the Taliban accountable. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace acknowledged the Taliban's control of the country and ruled out a return of British troops.
Iran
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi welcomed the withdrawal of US forces and called for efforts to restore stability and peace in Afghanistan. Iran has long sought the withdrawal of US forces and has engaged in diplomacy with the Taliban and Afghan government representatives.
Russia
Russia expressed a willingness to work with the Taliban going forward, provided they curb their terrorist behavior. However, they are in no hurry to recognize the group officially. Russian officials viewed the US withdrawal as a failure of its long military campaign and took satisfaction in it.
China
China's primary interest in Afghanistan is stability, and it has engaged in diplomacy with the Taliban, calling for an end to economic sanctions.
India
India is concerned about the regional fallout of the Taliban takeover, particularly its impact on its rivalry with Pakistan and friction with China. It has evacuated its diplomatic personnel and citizens and offered special emergency visas to Afghan nationals, especially Hindus and Sikhs.
Pakistan
Pakistan has not officially recognized the Taliban-led government but has called for greater international engagement. It reiterated its commitment to an inclusive political settlement and welcomed the Taliban's efforts to avert major violence. However, there is a sense of triumph within Pakistan that its policy of supporting the Taliban has paid off.
Qatar
Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed concern about the fast pace of developments and affirmed his country's efforts to facilitate a peaceful transition.
New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern emphasized the importance of women's and girls' access to work and education under Taliban governance. She urged the Taliban to allow people to leave the country safely and stated that the world would be watching their actions.
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Frequently asked questions
US President Joe Biden defended his decision to end military involvement in Afghanistan, arguing that the counterterrorism mission was complete. He also acknowledged that the troop withdrawal had been messy and blamed Afghan security forces for failing to counter the Taliban.
The Taliban immediately rolled back women's rights and media freedom. Most secondary schools for girls were closed, and women were prohibited from working in most government jobs and many other areas. The Taliban also detained and executed former members of the Afghan National Security Forces, government officials, and their family members.
Afghanistan's neighbors sought stability and were concerned about the potential mass exodus of refugees. Iran, in particular, sought to stem the flow of migrants and refugees, contain narcotics trafficking, and maintain cross-border trade.
The international community, including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, and other countries, evacuated hundreds of thousands of Afghans who had worked with them or were at risk. However, as of November 2021, the Taliban government had not been formally recognized by any country due to concerns over human rights abuses and the rollback of progress in women's rights.
Somalia's al Shabaab insurgents congratulated the Taliban and celebrated the US withdrawal, calling it a "20-year jihad (struggle) [that] has become reality."
