Taliban’s Rule: Five Years On, West’s Influence on Afghanistan in Question DATELINE: Kabul, Afghanistan – August 15, 2026 LEAD: Five years after the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the international community’s influence over the regime remains a contentious issue. Amidst a severe humanitarian crisis and the stripping of fundamental rights from women and girls, the West’s ability to shape the Taliban’s behavior is under scrutiny. NUT GRAF: The chaotic US withdrawal in 2021 allowed the Taliban to regain control, leading to a humanitarian emergency where millions face starvation, and women and girls are stripped of their rights.
Despite international efforts, the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, raising questions about the West’s influence over the Taliban.
In a village south of Kabul, Najia, a 47-year-old entrepreneur and mother of nine, runs a rare women’s workshop where women can gain skills and employment. This venture, however, is one of the few remaining opportunities for women in a society where they are increasingly marginalized.
Officials commented on the matter.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has worsened significantly since the Taliban’s return. CNN reports that millions of children face starvation, and women and girls have been stripped of their most fundamental rights.
The UN Women organization highlights the challenges faced by Afghan women, noting that more than six million have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023. Human Rights Watch has documented the Taliban’s intensification of repression, including restrictions on the rights of women and girls and new regulations to curb media freedom.
The organization’s Afghanistan chapter reveals that the Taliban has deepened its repression, further limiting the rights of the Afghan population.
The Diplomat discusses the complexities of international relations with the Taliban, noting the diversity of policies tried by the international community. These include humanitarian assistance, political and economic pressure, diplomatic engagement, and negotiations that have, in some cases, developed into direct talks. Despite these efforts, the Taliban’s behavior remains unchanged.
The Lowy Institute reports that the Taliban faces less isolation than ever, suggesting that the international community’s influence over the regime is limited. This is further evidenced by the Taliban’s brutal response to demonstrations in Herat, where they shot people in the streets during protests against the regime’s “morality police. “KICKER: As Afghanistan enters its sixth year under Taliban rule, the international community grapples with the challenge of influencing the regime’s behavior.
With the humanitarian crisis deepening and the rights of women and girls under threat, the West’s ability to shape the Taliban’s actions remains a critical question. What happens next in Afghanistan will likely depend on the effectiveness of international efforts to engage with and influence the Taliban.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News
