The Fall and Rise of Taliban : The Afghan’s Perspective
It was a regular Friday gathering at Beppu Masjid, a time I always anticipated for its sense of community, the people who attended, and, naturally, the delectable food. Initially, I expected to leave with nothing more than a satisfied appetite. However, on that particular day, I left the event with a profound realization. I recognized the immense privilege I held in being able to peacefully drift into sleep each night, contrasted against the harsh reality faced by individuals in distant corners of the globe who grappled with the uncertainty of whether the next day would even arrive for them.
Throughout my life, I’ve held a genuine fascination for connecting with new faces. Over 19 years, I’ve called both the Land of Liberty and the Land of The Rising Sun my homes. Amidst encounters with countless individuals, I’ve grown to firmly believe in the uniqueness of every person, each bearing a life story that has sculpted them into the individuals they are today. Uncovering the tapestries of those around me has not only broadened my perspectives but also woven a more comprehensive understanding of life’s grander canvas.
Within this ongoing journey, a particular memory shines brightly — a balmy Friday evening in Japan. It was during this moment that I had the honor of crossing paths with an Afghan Muslimah named Hosniyeh Ekhlasi. This encounter imparted to me one of life’s most profound lessons.
She has ignited a profound inspiration within me, one I never could have fathomed previously. She epitomizes strength, courage, and talent, serving as both a remarkable example of womanhood and a motherly figure who empowers women far and wide. It was when I play along with Armaghan, Hosniyeh’s daughter, that I uncovered her remarkable journey. Hosniyeh, an Afghan native, had traveled all the way to Japan to pursue her dream of attaining a master’s degree in business. Yet, her motivations for coming to the Land of the Rising Sun extend beyond academics. “I wanted a brighter future for my children,” she affirmed.
Just like the first rays of sunlight that grace this nation’s horizon, her hope radiates, firmly implanted in the aspirations of her children — a hope for improved lives and brighter future.
Hosniyeh stands among the many asylum seekers from Afghanistan who’ve been compelled to depart their homeland due to the resurgence of the Taliban, an extremist Islamic movement with a strong presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the imminent threats it brings.
A Brief History of The Taliban
The Taliban, known as Ṭālebān in Pashto (“Students”), represents an ultraconservative political and religious group that originated in Afghanistan during the mid-1990s. Its emergence followed the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the fall of Afghanistan’s communist government, and the ensuing breakdown of civil order. Initially composed of Afghan religious scholars and students, the movement’s original aim was to address issues of crime and corruption. The faction derived its name, Taliban (Pashto: Ṭālebān, “Students”), from its initial members who were primarily students.
A Monster that The U.S. Created
Given the Taliban’s opposition to Communist Russia, it’s unsurprising that they naturally aligned themselves with the United States as political and military allies. Throughout the Cold War, the USA served as a significant source of military equipment and financial aid for the Taliban, aiding them in their struggle against the Soviets. Following the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban capitalized on the power vacuum, seizing control of the government. Unfortunately, this led to further instability in the nation, characterized by the emergence of civil conflict across various regions.
During this phase, the Taliban’s conduct turned violent towards the Afghan populace. They initiated the instruction of young boys in combat tactics and radical interpretations of Islam within madrasas. Under their rule, the Taliban imposed an austere legal system that included capital punishment for certain offenses, along with the stringent enforcement of sharia law. Additionally, they enforced a ban on higher education for women, and young girls fell victim to abduction by Taliban forces during this period.
The Taliban’s ascendancy was bolstered by support from various stakeholders, including radicals from Saudi Arabia, and notably, Al-Qaeda. The latter leveraged the Taliban’s military presence to advance their own agenda, utilizing Afghan territory for their training activities. The culmination of these dynamics came with Al-Qaeda’s devastating 9/11 attacks in 2001. In response, the USA initiated military action against the Taliban, as they refused to relinquish the Al-Qaeda training facilities on Afghan soil. This marked the commencement of the Taliban’s eventual decline.
Taliban Post-Invasion
Following the US Invasion in Afghanistan, a significant number of Taliban members fled to neighboring countries like Pakistan. Despite this, their influence continued to hold sway within Afghanistan. The Taliban initiated an insurgency within the nation and gradually managed to reestablish control over a considerable portion of the rural areas. They found a major source of income in the opium trade, which provided them with funds from its production. This money was then used to acquire more military equipment. Additionally, the Taliban consistently received backing from tribal and religious leaders spread across the country.
The US-Taliban “Peace Deal”
After the Taliban was overthrown, efforts were made to establish a functioning Afghan state. Unfortunately, these efforts were hindered by widespread corruption, and it became evident that the Afghan army was not well-equipped to combat the Taliban. By 2016, almost a fifth of Afghanistan had fallen under Taliban control. This situation prompted the US to engage directly in negotiations with Taliban leaders once again. In 2020, a so-called “Peace Deal” was reached, leading to a swift withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan. By 2021, history repeated itself as the Taliban launched their most lethal and successful offensive since 2001.
As the Taliban’s influence grew in Afghanistan, they also enforced strict laws, including the imposition of radical interpretations of Islam. This had dire consequences, especially for Afghan women and young girls. When I asked Hosniyeh about the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return, she shared, “Afghan women face risks daily. The Taliban won’t let us pursue higher education or careers. Every day, we fear being kidnapped by the Taliban. I have to protect my daughter from them every single day.”
“I used to be a government official. I still vividly recall the day when news broke that the city had fallen to the Taliban. People were rushing to escape, wanting to ensure the safety of themselves, their spouses, and their daughters. On that day, I hurried back home from the office alone, fearing that the Taliban might abduct me. My only concern was the safety of my children,” reminisced Hosniyeh as she recounted her memories of that fateful day.
With the fall of the government to the Taliban, a series of policies violating rights have been put into place, presenting significant obstacles for women’s and girls’ access to education and health. These measures have also restricted fundamental rights such as movement, expression, and association, while leading to a loss of income for many. Adding to this, Afghanistan faces a fast-escalating humanitarian crisis that intensifies these abuses. The Taliban’s control has resulted in a steep decline in income, rising prices, aid cutoffs, a liquidity crisis, and shortages of cash, primarily due to the withdrawal of support from donor countries, notably the United States. As a consequence, a large portion of the population now struggles to secure essentials like food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
“The future looks dark”
Quoting one woman who had been employed in the government: “I had dreams of further education and work. I was considering pursuing my master’s degree. Now, they [the Taliban] won’t even let girls complete high school.”
“The crisis for Afghan women and girls is escalating with no clear resolution,” remarked Heather Barr, Associate Director of Women’s Rights at Human Rights Watch. “Taliban policies have swiftly turned numerous women and girls into virtual captives within their own homes. This has deprived the nation of one of its most valuable assets: the abilities and potential of its female population.” (source: hrw.org)
Hosniyeh is among the fortunate Afghan women who managed to escape the Taliban regime. The Japanese government has facilitated improved opportunities for asylum seekers like her, including offering scholarships to pursue her dream of obtaining a master’s degree in business and economics. “I am grateful to the Japanese government officials for granting me a chance at a better life here in Japan,” she expressed.
However, countless Afghan women continue to live in daily fear. They fear being seized by the Taliban army in the middle of the night, forfeiting their dreams of higher education, and the prospect of not securing a better future for their children. Most of those interviewed disclosed severe mental health consequences since the Taliban’s takeover, encompassing fear, anxiety, hopelessness, sleeplessness, and a profound sense of loss and helplessness.
Meeting Hosniyeh that day offered one of the most enlightening conversations I’ve ever had. After years of encountering stories like hers in the media, hearing her personal account directly stirred indescribable emotions and a profound comprehension. It almost transported me to experience the fear and sorrow that many Afghan women endured during the Taliban’s ascent.
Watching Armaghan’s joyful laughter during that Friday gathering was a poignant reminder that not all Afghan children and young girls experience the same. The reality remains that they live in perpetual fear, feeling powerless. The Taliban’s takeover stands as a poignant reminder for us all: to be appreciative and not to take things for granted. For out there, some live in dread of not seeing the next day, or of losing a loved one at any moment. My prayers are with Hosniyeh, every Afghan family, and their pursuit of a better life and enduring happiness. (8/4)
