CSS 2022 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Challenges of Taliban Government in Afghanistan
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Question Breakdown
Taliban government’s anticipated policies, and the second requires us to elaborate on the regional and global response to these policies.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A glance at the Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan in 2021
3-Anticipated policies of the Taliban government after the Takeover
- ✓ Restrictions on Women’s Rights
- Evidence: Women might be barred from attending secondary schools and prohibited from working, as reported by Human Rights Watch and UN Women.
- ✓ Suppression of Freedom of Expression and Press
- Evidence: The Taliban enforce strict controls on media, leading to threats and arrests of journalists, resulting in a dramatic decline in press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders.
- ✓ Harsh Enforcement of Sharia Law
- Evidence: Public punishments for violations of Sharia, including flogging and executions, were documented by Amnesty International, creating a climate of fear among the population.
- ✓ Economic Mismanagement and Resource Control
- Evidence: The Taliban’s reliance on opium production increased amid the economic crisis and the freezing of international aid, leading to widespread poverty and food insecurity, as warned by the United Nations.
4-What are the regional and global impacts of the Taliban Takeover?
- ✓ Security and Border Instability
- Evidence: Following the Taliban takeover, Pakistan experienced an increase in Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks, particularly along the Durand Line, raising concerns over cross-border violence.
- ✓ Refugee Crisis and Humanitarian Burden
- Evidence: The UNHCR estimated over 500,000 Afghan refugees would flee into neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Iran, adding pressure to these nations already hosting large refugee populations.
- ✓ Increased Extremism and terrorism
- Evidence: UN experts in 2021 warned that Taliban control could enable transnational terrorist groups to use Afghanistan as a base for recruitment, increasing the risk of extremism in the region.
- ✓ Women’s Rights and Human Rights Violations
- Evidence: Voice of America’s article.
5–Regional and Global Response of Taliban Takeover in 2021
- ✓ Regional: Pakistan, Iran, Central Asian states
- ✓ Global: China, Russia, US, UN
6-Critical Analysis
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, marking a new phase of global problems that go outside its territory with implications on security, humanitarian efforts and human rights. The alarming concerns from countries across the world about the revival of extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS-K have intensified due to Afghanistan’s potential to be once again a haven for terrorism. Furthermore, international sanctions plus assets freeze have aggravated the Afghan humanitarian crisis, whereas aid groups’ ability to help millions in need has been hampered. There has been widespread condemnation of the Taliban’s repressive policies against women as an infringement of broader human rights, prompting wider condemnation from NGOs operating on these issues, hence making it difficult for them to respond appropriately. As nations deal with these challenges, they continue to see a dynamic global landscape that needs collective responses to address how the rule of the Taliban affects international security as well as humanitarian response fronts.
A glance at the Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan in 2021
The political situation in Afghanistan radically altered with a Taliban takeover in August 2021. Soon after US troops left the country after nearly 20 years of military involvement, they took over all major cities, including Kabul. Chaos engulfed Kabul’s airport when thousands were seen running away from their own country after the establishment of the Taliban’s government. Many people thought that this was just like the previous regimes where there were no rights for women or personal freedom at all times (the 1990s). Although there were promises from members of the Taliban about less extreme policies, violence and violations of human rights occurred shortly after that. The world struggled with how best to react, considering humanitarian aid needs next to worries about peacebuilding through existing structures by Afrikaners who want peace politics. These events created complicated conditions throughout the region.
Anticipated policies of the Taliban government after the Takeover?
- Limitation of the Liberties of Women
The Taliban had the intention of cutting down some of the gains made over the years and gave harsh restrictions on women’s rights. Young women were deprived of the right to get secondary education and forced to stay at home with their mothers. Furthermore, there have been restrictions on working-class women who were also deprived of bare minimum entertainment, i.e., coming to family parks. Information from Human Rights Watch and UN Women revealed that women had to pay severe fines for refusing to follow these rules of the Taliban. Therefore, the types of punishment women received were, directly and indirectly, one of the factors hindering development in the area of gender equality and personal freedoms.
- Rigid Control and Suppression of the Freedom of Speech and the Press.
The Taliban subjugated media and the freedom of expression by implementing no-disagreement policies and strict democracy practices. The death of men and women journalists by Taliban militia, because they misreported news that differed from the Taliban’s version, has hit the media hard. A sharp fall in the global press freedom index can be seen and was revealed by a report from Reporters Without Borders, which showed the severe commitment of the Taliban to media repression and control.
- Harsh Enforcement of Sharia Law
They have fallen back into an old Sharia interpretation, the strict adherence to Sharia law using the public penal system and administering the most stringent codes of conduct publicly. Misbehavior to these norms, for example, perceived immoral behaviour, has resulted in strict penalties, including flogging and public executions, which undermines these rights. According to the reports of Amnesty International, the Taliban are maintaining their ideology of extremism through brutal punishments.
- Mishandling of financial affairs and appropriation of resources
The Taliban’s economic policies have been marked by mismanagement and a focus on maintaining control over resources. With international aid and assets being frozen, the Afghan economy has been plunged into crisis. Consequently, the reliance on opium production for revenue has increased among the Taliban, which raises questions about its impact on domestic stability as well as global drug trafficking. The World Organization has cautioned against the possibility of humanitarian disaster while millions continue to suffer from hunger and poverty because of the Taliban’s failure to meet them economically.
What are the regional and global challenges of the Taliban Takeover?
- Security and Border Instability
The most apparent short-term issues that would arise in neighbouring countries are border insecurity and conflict. Due to the shaky control that the Taliban has had over nearly different militant groups or factions, such as the ISIS-K, there have been apprehensions of violent groups probably transversing into the neighbouring countries. Pakistan, as well as Iran and Central Asian states, have said they are facing an increase in border tensions and attacks from armed groups emanating from Afghanistan. For instance, border regions in Pakistan have suffered TTP militant attacks within the country due to the Taliban’s success, which has led to increased violence along the Durand Line.
- The refugee crisis and the human burden.
The increase of refugees in neighbouring countries as a result of the Taliban’s takeover and the subsequent collapse of the economy and human rights abuses overwhelmed the capacities of countries in the region. Pakistan and Iran, two countries which are hosting millions of Afghan refugees displaced from previous wars, have again witnessed the migration rush. Refugee population On September 15, 2021, the UNHCR report stated that about 500,000 refugees were projected to leave Afghanistan by the end of the year, leading to stress on border states. This has become an economic, social, and security challenge for receiving countries, triggering a call for international assistance and coordinated regional efforts to respond to the migration challenge.
- Increased Extremism and terrorism
The Taliban have regrouped back to power, and this has caused concern about increased radicalization and extremism in the region. Specifically, countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are more prone to extremist ideologies because organizations like IMU and TTP may use Afghanistan as their operational theatres. It is, however, believed that the Taliban’s success serves as a sign of victory against militant Islamism, which in turn may encourage factions within the region to up their efforts. In a report by UN experts issued in 2021, the Taliban’s control can facilitate the permanent re-establishment of the training and recruiting centres of the transnational terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which can threaten the stability of the region in the long term.
- Women’s Rights and human rights abuses have become global challenges.
Specifically, by authorizing strict suppression of women’s rights, as well as other fundamental human rights, it has been regressed for a long time. World human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have criticized the Taliban’s policies regarding matters such as women’s education and employment. This has caused controversies on how the world can interact with the Taliban Authorities without compromising on the principles of human rights. The efforts which are being made to alleviate conditions are further complicated by the fact there is no international control over the Taliban movement.
Regional and Global Response to Taliban Takeover in 2021
A- Regional Response
- Pakistan’s Diplomatic Engagement
Pakistan did express its concern regarding the revival of the Taliban, especially about fears of the violence spilling over to its territorial boundaries. In reply, Pakistan took diplomatic dialogue routes with the Taliban aimed at stopping the rise of armed groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along their shared boundary. The government of this country was hoping to make a balance by assisting or supporting the Taliban on the one hand while, on the other hand, protecting Pakistani security interests.
- Iran’s Cautionary Stance
Since they hold deep distrust for the Sunni Taliban, they seek assurance that they remain safe at their borders even from irksome incidences such as the inflow of refugees, among others. Iran thus emphasized the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan during its talks with representatives from the Taliban to protect its interests and reduce risks relating to extremism being imported there.
- Central Asia’s Security Concerns
Countries in Central Asia, like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, raised alarm bells over a possible resurgence of tensions and extremism after the Taliban’s takeover. To combat any emerging threats, these countries increased their military readiness and improved border policing systems. In addition, they entered into diplomatic talks with neighbouring state parties to coordinate responses and ensure stability in the region.
B-Global Response
- U.S. and NATO’s Strong Position
The U.S. and its NATO partners were worried about the Taliban retaking control. The Biden administration stopped giving aid and blocked Afghan money kept in the U.S. The West said they would watch the Taliban closely, especially on human rights and possible terrorism, and use their intelligence to understand what’s happening in Afghanistan.
- United Nations’ Help for People:
The UN and other international groups said Afghanistan urgently needs help, warning that many people there don’t have enough food and are being forced to leave their homes. Even though they’re concerned about how the Taliban is ruling, the UN wants to help with the growing crisis, trying to send aid while also making sure the Taliban treats people, especially women, fairly.
- China and Russia’s Practical Approach:
China and Russia took a more practical approach, deciding to work with the Taliban. Both countries focused on stability and security, expressing interest in economic cooperation. China aimed to secure its borders and explore investments in Afghanistan’s natural resources, while Russia sought to prevent the spread of extremism in Central Asia
Critical Analysis
The world’s reaction to the Taliban grabbing control of Afghanistan in 2021 shows a tangled mix of keeping people safe, helping those in need, and countries jockeying for power. In simpler terms, countries like Pakistan and Iran had to carefully handle their relationship with the Taliban while also protecting their own country’s interests. Pakistan wanted to make its border safer, and Iran said that having a government where everyone is included would help stop people from becoming extremists. NATO took a more careful approach, focusing on human rights and preventing terrorism, which meant they stopped giving aid and put a freeze on assets. The UN concentrated on helping people, especially in Afghanistan, where strict rules from other countries made things hard for them. While China and Russia are getting more involved with the Taliban, it shows they’re more focused on what’s good for them in the area. Ultimately, these responses highlight the difficulties in managing urgent humanitarian needs alongside Afghanistan’s enduring security and governance concerns.
Conclusion
Conclusively, everyone’s trying to figure out what to do next based on what they care about and worry about. While countries next door are dealing with safety issues and helping people out, big countries are careful, trying to give help without making things worse with the Taliban’s strict rules. The participation of China and Russia shows a move to practical cooperation, showing their strategic goals in the area. The countries need to figure out how to help the Afghan folks in need without letting the Taliban off the hook so Afghanistan can have a peaceful tomorrow. Hence, the Taliban government, in many domains, is important for world politics.
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