The return of the Taliban: What it means for Afghanistan

In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after 20 years. They returned to power unexpectedly and brought major changes to Afghan life. The Taliban had been in power before in the 1990s and have now returned with almost the same strict rules, especially on religion, freedom, and the manner of living that the afghans are being forced to live under.

One of the largest changes has been to the country's laws. The Taliban follow very strict interpretations of the Sharia law, which is Islamic law. What this means is many of the regulations that had before been less strict are now strict in fact. Girls are banned from going to school after a particular age in most areas, and women are barred from most jobs. They cannot go outside alone and must always be accompanied by a man and must wear full body covering like the burqa in public.Men also have rules, like needing to grow beards and dress in a certain way, including renouncing western style clothing and items as they don't match the ideology of what the Taliban believe is the correct way to live under hIslamic law and their twisted version of what Afghanistan should be like.

Freedom of speech is also heavily suppressed. Journalists and the media are no longer free to report news. Criticism of the Taliban can lead to arrest, intimidation, or worse punishments. Brutal methods of punishment or as they call it "justice" of public whipping  and capital punishment for crimes like theft or breaking religious laws have also been restored, even though they violate numerous human right laws.Such types of punishments are intended to intimidate people into following the law, but they fill people with paranoia, fear and silence across the country.

These laws have made life very difficult for people living in Afghanistan.They are scared and uncertain about what the future holds. Women and girls who used to study or work now remain indoors. Some families cannot cope because women no longer earn a living. Boys and men are also pressured to adhere to the Taliban's regulations, or they will face punishment. Hundreds of people have tried to escape Afghanistan in quest of freedom and security elsewhere.

In my opinion, while the Taliban claim to be protecting their culture and religion, their rules take away people’s rights and freedoms. I understand that every country has its own traditions and beliefs, but this should never mean stopping people,especially women, from learning, working, or living freely. Religion should bring peace and guidance, not fear and punishment. The way the Taliban are using power is unfair and cruel, and it feels like they are trying to control every part of people’s lives.