In honour of the first anniversary of the US-led troops’ departure from Afghanistan after a bloody 20-year war, the Taliban proclaimed Wednesday a national holiday and lighted up the nation’s capital with coloured lights.
The nation’s new authorities, who are not formally recognised by any other country, have reinstituted a strict interpretation of Islamic law that excludes women from participation in public life.
“We are happy that Allah got rid of the infidels from our country, and the Islamic Emirate has been established,” said Zalmai, a resident of Kabul.
The nation’s new authorities, who are not formally recognised by any other country, have reinstituted a strict interpretation of Islamic law that excludes women from participation in public life.
Although there are still many limitations in place and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, many Afghans say they are relieved that the foreign power that sparked the Taliban insurgency is no longer there.
America’s longest war, a military operation that started in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York, was finally put to an end last year with the withdrawal of soldiers at midnight on August 31. The combat resulted in the deaths of 66,000 Afghan soldiers and 48,000 civilians, but it was the 2,461 deaths of US service men that proved to be too many for the American people to stomach.
The Taliban took control of the country after a quick onslaught against government soldiers two weeks before the retreat last year came to an end.
On Wednesday, banners celebrating wins against three empires — including the former Soviet Union and Britain, who both lost wars in Afghanistan — were flying in Kabul.
From lampposts and administrative structures, hundreds of white Taliban banners flying the Islamic creed were visible. Late on Tuesday, large Taliban fighter gatherings lighted up the skies over Kabul with fireworks and jubilant gunfire.
