Why Is Taliban Back In Afghanistan? Why Afghani's Didn't Fight Back?

Table of Contents

Why is Taliban Back in Afghanistan?

Across the globe, various news outlets have been reporting on the recent fall of Kabul into the hands of the Taliban. This isn’t the first time that the group has tried to gain control of the capital. Recent withdrawal of U.S troops in Afghanistan has empowered the group to sweep through the country in a matter of days. Since then, footage of people making a mad dash to the airport in the hopes of getting out of the country can be seen circulating on various social media networks. Men, women, and children were all trying to get transported out of the country with some managing to snag a spot on carrier planes. Unfortunately, not everyone has been as fortunate. There are still many Afghan citizens who remain in the country and in the capital city Kabul. A lot of them fear for their lives, their rights, and their freedom. But is there really any merit to their concern? Who are the Taliban and what is their real agenda?

The Taliban: Who are they?

The Arabic word “tālib” where the Taliban name originated from translates to “students” in the English language. Considered to be a fanatic yet savage religious group, the Taliban are devout Deobandi followers who have strong religious-political beliefs. To be a member of the Taliban, a person, therefore, has to be a student of the beliefs being taught by this movement which is considered to be an Islamic revivalist one.

How did they get started?

It is believed that the group’s rise to power started in the early 1990s in the northern parts of Pakistan. Along with a total of 50 students, the group was started by Mullah Mohammad Omar in his native Kandahar hometown. At the time it was said that the founder, Mullah had been displeased that the communist rule coming to an end did not bring about the installation of Islamic law in Afghanistan. The establishment of the group is a result of his political frustration, as well as a resolve to abolish criminals and warlords in the country.

But not long after the first 50 incorporating members, the group soon grew to thousands within months. Sources claim that over 15,000 students became part of the Taliban since its September 1994 inception. Many of these members came from madrassas (Pakistan based religious schools), and their motivation for joining was greatly influenced by their need to uphold strict moral codes found in Islamic law which they believe would eradicate the hardship that many Afghani people were experiencing at the time.

When did their rule of Afghanistan first occur?

For the Taliban, the lack of stricter laws similar to the teachings in their schools was the root of all the political unrest amongst various groups. Although there is still much debate about it, many sources claim that Pakistan has been involved in the Taliban since the very beginning. Not to mention that their support of the fundamentalist group was aligned with their desire that the governing power would fall in the favor of Pakistan. Even with reports of Pakistan providing financial assistance to the Taliban for more than a year, the fragile nature of their relationship did not seem to have a stronghold over the religious group’s agenda. Moreover, at the time their goals were misaligned with the Taliban aiming to maintain their autonomy while Pakistan and ISI had been angling to get a firm grip of command.

Regardless of how Pakistan ISI wanted to control the Taliban, the group launched its own attack on the city of Kandahar in November of 1994. And even before the start of the succeeding year, they had managed to conquer a dozen provinces in Afghanistan. Omar and his group of supporters were fairly liked and popular since they succeeded in extinguishing disorder and eliminating corruption. The group attempted to widen their reach but their efforts to take over the capital city of Kabul in 1995 were thwarted by government forces. As they retreated it was then that the Taliban militia started raining gunfire on the city causing the death of countless civilians. This savage attack at the time of their defeat served as a pivotal moment that turned their supporters against them. No longer were they being heralded by the Afghans as champions of justice, instead, they were seen as megalomaniacs.

Despite several impediments, another attack towards the end of 1996 eventually resulted in the victory of the Taliban entering and taking power in Kabul. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was established on September 27th that year. Allegations that the Pakistan government was aiding the Taliban had resurfaced, meanwhile, the resistance movement against the religious fundamentalists sought refuge in the northeastern mountains of Hindu Kush. By this time, many associated the Taliban’s agenda as a mere extension of the geographical interest that Pakistan showed early on.

The Taliban reign

In a span of two years since overthrowing the rule of President Burhanuddin Rabbani in the city of Kabul, the Taliban extended their influence to over 90% of Afghanistan. Once the Soviets were driven out of the country, Afghans exhausted from the resistance relented to the usurping of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IAE) or Taliban as they are more popularly known.

Bear in mind that the group’s early approval was primarily attributed to their efforts in bringing down scrupulous government dealings and subduing criminality that made many areas unsafe to live or do business in. Unfortunately, their initial objective was overshadowed by the strict Sharia laws that the group adhered to.

Under the Taliban’s rule, the Sharia law was interpreted and enforced with an iron fist. Punishments were handed out in keeping with the strict religious Islamic laws the group followed devoutly. Executions of adulterers and convicted murderers were conducted in public, while those caught thieving are penalized through amputations.

The women under their rule were required to be covered from head to toe, their eyes barely visible through the cloth. On the other hand, the men were made to grow beards in honor of their revered prophets. Some of the other policies they put in place included banning women from leaving houses without a male relative, disallowing girls from the age of 10 and older from attending school, prohibiting television, and barring cinema as well as music. Throughout their governance, they were cited for numerous cultural violations and abuse of even the most basic of human rights.

9/11 and the fall of Taliban in Kabul

Conflict in Afghanistan was well underway even before the Taliban came into the picture. Nevertheless, their presence reignited Pakistan’s lust for control over the country. Whilst they continue to rebuff allegations of funding and assisting the Taliban’s attempts at seizing control of the country, there was evidence to support that Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence was present right from the start. Not only did they help establish the group, they actively supported them through financial backing, militia, logistical information, and strategic operations. And lest anyone forgets, that the madrassas backbone of the Taliban originates from religious Pakistani schools.

For six years, the Taliban carried on with their dictatorship over the Afghan citizens, at the same time they were spreading terror across many countries as they sent out terrorists who created chaos wherever they went. It was the attacks they launched on September 11, 2001, that caught the attention of the world. From all corners, people saw the devastation left behind by their assault of the World Trade Centers in New York City.

The main suspect of this horrendous desolation, al-Qaeda leader Ossama bin Laden was said to have sought sanctuary with the Taliban. Supported by its closest allies, the United States led by then-President George W. Bush along with Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other nations commenced military action when the Taliban refused to surrender Bin Laden.

Over a month after the initial airstrike that rained on Afghanistan, Taliban forces were said to have fled the capital city of Kabul obscured by the darkness of night. By November 13th, the remaining Taliban were neutralized and the city was in the possession of the alliance.

The Taliban in 2021

War against the Taliban and al-Qaeda raged on for many more years before terrorist leader Ossama bin Laden was finally eliminated in May of 2011. The story of Kabul however does not end in that 10-year mission to find the terrorist leaders and bring them to justice. Almost as if history were to repeat itself, Kabul once again finds itself at the mercy of the Taliban.

Many are saying that the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan soil once again strengthened the militant group’s resolve to once again regain control of the country. On July 2, 2021, forces from the United States left Kabul completely. The decision to withdraw the troops was made by President Joe Biden who relied on the fully trained 300,000 strong local Afghan forces to maintain the country’s security. Sadly, in under a month, a large portion of the country including Kabul once again fell back into the hands of this extremist Islamic group.

In a peacemaking effort, the Taliban who now sit in power, allowed the departure of foreign nationals, as well as providing pardon towards Afghans who fought side by side with the US against the group.

To date, the Taliban leaders are said to have ordered its forces to only enter the homes of citizens with their permission. The group’s spokesperson Mohammad Naeem issued a statement that the new governing body will be ironed out and announced soon. He also stressed that the group wanted nothing more than to build peaceful bonds with other countries across the globe. Further claims of a new government that purportedly wants to offer its citizens more freedom are said to rise up.

Notwithstanding this proclamation, thousands of Afghan citizens are seen still clamoring to find a way out of their home country. Whether it be on the remaining commercial flights or through transport planes provided by military allies, the lucky are able to escape. The distrust and obvious disbelief in these promises are not unwarranted. Decade after decade of conflict from this religious-political faction who ravaged the lands and caused much death has left the Afghan people once again fearing for their lives.

Ex-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his quick escape

Lots of onlookers speculate that perhaps the exodus of allied troops from Afghanistan emboldened Taliban fighters resulting in the immediate recapture of the country. What many people did not expect was the hasty exit that the country’s head of state and his family managed to accomplish.

Days went by before this now-ousted leader resurfaced after having sought out asylum from the United Arab Emirates. Across the globe, many were flabbergasted by his apparent act of cowardice. According to this former Afghan leader, however, the main reason for his immediate departure was simply to avoid any more bloodshed.

He further claims that he and his government were left completely off guard by the pace at which the Taliban had advanced into the city gates. So surprised was he, that his escape left him with only the clothes on his back. Prior to his hasty retreat, rumors swirled that an official met with Taliban and al-Qaeda members who demanded his surrender. Further claims that negotiations of a peaceful handover of power were being made before the Taliban walked into the city. Intel reports also indicated that a failure to surrender would result in Ghani’s death.

Afghani soldiers: Why they didn’t fight back

Following the stunning wake of Kabul’s return to Taliban governance, people all over the globe were left wondering how 300,000 trained Afghan troops were unable to do anything against the takeover.

Analysts are now pointing towards several factors that may have caused the disintegration of the Afghan army before our very eyes.

First off, allied countries failed to realize just how badly widespread corruption in the Afghan government was. How does this affect the local military? The corruption within the defense and interior ministries resulted in the misuse of funds that were intended for food, ammunition, and other expenses that the soldiers incurred. Thus, much of the artillery intended for the soldiers ended up on the black market and worse, in the hands of the same people they were supposed to be fighting against – the Taliban.

Because of the severe corruption, the morale of the citizens, and more importantly, the soldiers were greatly affected. Funds that were meant as the soldier’s salaries were embezzled, this led to the soldier’s distrust of their superiors. This lack of trust then led to disloyalty to the government and country they were supposedly meant to protect and serve.

The overall lack of unity and cohesion within the ranks proved to be detrimental to the success of what should have been a unified defense against invaders.

Departing Afghanistan

What does the future hold for Afghan citizens, especially those who are left behind?

The resurfacing of the Taliban in Kabul threatens to upend the daily lives of all those who are unable to leave the country. Any progress and modernization that the country, particularly the ones that its womenfolk have enjoyed for 20 years, is at risk of regressing to strict fundamentalists beliefs. Fears of the Taliban resurrecting a repressive era that will set women and girls back to a time where their voices go unheard is slowly coming to light with reports of Taliban men demanding that unmarried women become their brides. There are talks of headscarves once again becoming a requirement, as well as the potential limitation of the roles of females beyond that of their household.

As the world watches with bated breath, much of Afghanistan is still scrambling to seek asylum in neighboring countries. It is currently unclear how many have managed to leave their home country for the safety of another. Thousands crowd outside airports in the hopes of departing before the August 31st deadline imposed by the Taliban. A vast majority of locals may end up under the new regime seeing as the Taliban controls other possible channels by land leading out of the country.

Pakistan, Iran, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Greece, France, Switzerland, and a couple more surrounding countries are welcoming those who are able to get out on time.