Taliban Celebrates Three Years Since Return to Power in Afghanistan
Celebrations have taken over the streets of Kabul as the Taliban marks three years since they returned to power in Afghanistan.
Transcript
00:00Celebrating a national holiday in Afghanistan, marking three years since the Taliban returned
00:08to power.
00:12The militant Islamic forces seized the Afghan capital Kabul in August 2021.
00:20As US troops began their withdrawal and the US-backed government collapsed, with its leaders
00:25fleeing into exile.
00:31In desperation, thousands of Afghans also attempted to leave the country, but in ten
00:36days the Taliban was in full control and imposing their version of Sharia law.
01:05As part of their anniversary celebrations, the Taliban paraded their military might at
01:10an airbase abandoned by US and NATO forces, with representatives from Iran, Pakistan,
01:16Russia and China present.
01:20They say their security forces have reduced the threat from terrorist organisation Islamic
01:25State Khorasan province, despite the group still carrying out attacks both inside and
01:31outside Afghanistan.
01:35The Taliban also claim under their strict rule, narcotics production has decreased to
01:40nearly zero, there is less corruption and more tax is collected.
01:45Freed from war, Taliban supporters are optimistic and enjoying a peace not seen here for decades.
02:00But not all lives in Afghanistan have improved, with the country facing a severe human rights
02:06and humanitarian crisis.
02:10The UN says a third of Afghanistan's 40 million population are struggling under a stagnant
02:15economy, with widespread unemployment and insufficient access to food.
02:21And the World Bank warns of zero growth over the next three years.
02:33After the Taliban takeover in 2021, the economy here was crippled by Western sanctions and
02:39billions of dollars in frozen assets.
02:42Few countries have formally recognised the Taliban government, with most of the international
02:47community condemning the strict decrees imposed on women and children.
02:54Women face restrictions on where they can work and socialise.
02:58And girls from the age of 13 are excluded from education.
03:03The United Nations says Afghan women feel their influence over decision making at home
03:08has dropped almost 60% in the last year.
03:11And just to give some context, three years ago, a woman in Afghanistan could technically
03:18decide to run for president.
03:22Now she may not even be able to decide when to go and buy groceries.
03:27This leading to a mental health crisis affecting 68% of women here.
03:32They are notably missing from the celebrations on Afghanistan's streets, making it clear
03:39that though the Taliban says the country is better off with them in charge, not everyone
03:44may agree.
03:45Dolphine Chen and Rosie Greninger for Taiwan Plus.