Warped Taliban fanatics celebrated ‘Victory Day’ on Tuesday, marking two years since they claimed victory over America in Afghanistan. This event has now been designated as a public holiday across the nation, following the fall of war-torn Kabul to the Taliban on August 15, 2021, after almost two decades of fighting.
However, amidst the celebrations, the Taliban has made an alarming demand for recognition from the United States. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that it is time for the US and other nations to formally recognize their government, as it is the right of the Afghan people, and withholding recognition is not a positive step.
The Taliban view August 15 as a day of freedom from occupation, filled with honor and pride for Afghans. Despite the United Nations (UN) not granting international recognition to the Taliban, the streets are adorned with flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the name given to the country by its new rulers.
But not everyone in Afghanistan is relishing in the supposed idyllic life that the Taliban claims to have brought. Since taking power, the Islamist extremists have cracked down on women’s rights, imposing their strict interpretation of Sharia law on the poverty-stricken nation. The United Nations has labeled this as gender apartheid, with women bearing the brunt of these laws.
Afghan women, who enjoyed more freedom before Taliban rule, are now facing erasure from society. Women’s rights activist Mahbouba Seraj emphasized that there is no such thing as women’s freedom anymore in Afghanistan. Their opinions, voices, and thoughts are slowly being silenced.
Contrary to the Taliban’s assertion, women’s education and work are crucial issues that need to be addressed. Mujahid’s claim that these are mere excuses ignores the fundamental rights and equality that women should have.
According to Mujahid, accepting an Islamic government is difficult for the Western world and countries defeated in Afghanistan, which is why they are reluctant to recognize the Taliban.
The situation in Afghanistan remains concerning, with the Taliban celebrating their victory while subjecting women to harsh conditions. The demand for recognition raises questions about how the international community will respond. As Afghanistan grapples with its new reality, it is crucial to prioritize human rights and ensure the protection and empowerment of all its citizens.
As debates continue on the recognition of the Taliban government, the focus should remain on the well-being of the Afghan people, particularly women who are experiencing the brunt of the Taliban’s rule. The international community must work together to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for Afghanistan.
