The Taliban Government in a New Era But the Same Old Mindset!

'Taliban' - whenever this particular term is mentioned, bitter memories are evoked for many, recalling the 1996 - 2001 regime in Afghanistan. Those who have lived through that period believe it to be a dark phase in their life, where there was no sense of freedom, peace of mind & happiness, especially concerning the women. Fast forward to 20 years later, and things seem to have only gotten worse for them. 

After the sudden and unexpected collapse of the presidential government led by Ashraf Ghani, the former president of the country, the Taliban once again came into power, and everyone from around the world watched in disbelief and shock, including me. 

Despite being brought up in the west, I still feel strongly connected to Afghanistan, so the drastic change of events troubled me. I decided to keep an open mind and see if the Taliban had improved or had become less difficult. Certain individuals also had a similar mindset too.  Initially, it was hard to predict how the new government  would conduct themselves in this modern period of technology and advancement. 

In contrast to 20 years prior, everything is much more accessible and simpler to attain and expose now. Therefore, it's quicker and more straightforward for the world to know about the events which unfold around the globe and observe any move taken by the new government. Personally, I'm not fond of politics. I view it as a murky and shady issue. Nevertheless, as a journalist and someone who has great affection for her country, I feel a need to keep an eye and be aware.

Over time, new changes and new rules developed under the so called Islamic regime. While some changes were positive and hopeful (to some extent) the majority or most essential changes were outrageous. Culture related and leisure programmes were instantly taken off the afghan channels for starters or kept to a minimum. 

                                                                                      

Some of the youth felt uneased and unsafe therefore left their beloved country - Afghanistan even at the cost of their lives. 

Furthermore, girls attending school were no longer permitted to go. No female could progress beyond year 6 & above - giving the excuse that this was a temporary move due to wanting to make some changes according to Islamic rules etc. A reason I felt was unjustifiable and invalid - making me outraged and heartbroken for the young girls who have dreams and ambitions just like me. While I happily succeed in achieving my dreams, the females of my nation are trapped within the four walls of their homes. 

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, but the hope of opening the schools for girls - classes 6 & above seemed to just be speculations and false promises. Eventually, an official announcement was released stating that no educational institutions shall open for girls in Kabul anytime soon.  This angered me to the core even though I did anticipate things not  looking great for females living in Afghanistan since the new government took over. 

Some may argue that the new government has bought security and stability: buildings being built, streets of Kabul looking clean & tidy. Drug addicts getting removed from the pavements of Kabul. Nonetheless, it is meaningless when a vast majority of Afghanistan's population is getting wiped away from society. Furthermore, culture and literature is also an aspect that has remained silent. 

I have been born & raised in the west and will most probably remain here for as long as I shall live, yet still, it's hard to avoid or dismiss certain situations happening in my beloved country. A country that belongs to my parents. A place of rich history and beauty. As an afghan descent, my only hope and desire are for the people to live in harmony, happiness and peace of mind without anything being imposed upon them, even religion!