What's Going On in Afghanistan, And How Can You Help

 

The Taliban, a military organisation that refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has regained control over the landlocked country. The fundamentalist group exercised power over the nation for five years before U.S led forces ousted them in 2001. However, the swift advances made by the militant group in Afghanistan over the last few days has caused the Western forces to collapse and retreat. 

The Taliban's return to power has triggered fear amongst the Afghan people, compelling them to adopt desperate measures to flee the nation. The citizens of Afghanistan are concerned about a two-pronged attack by the military organisation: first, the potential that the Taliban promote the ultraconservative brand of Islam and encourage Islamist movements across the country, and second, the possibility of carrying out revenge attacks against those who worked with the Americans or the government.

 

How Did This Happen?

 

The Taliban forces entered the capital of Kabul on Sunday after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. This marked the end of a 20-year effort by the U.S. and other Western nations to remould Afghanistan as a modern democracy. An agreement was made with the Trump administration in February last year for the U.S. forces to leave Afghanistan. Taking this forward, President Biden set 31st August as the exit date. As the Afghan government slowly collapsed, the Taliban seized the opportunity to expand across the nation.

 

Why Did Kabul Fall So Quickly?

 

While Afghanistan's police forces and army—comprising of 3,50,000 trained personnel—were geared to fight the Taliban, as President Biden's withdrawal plan was put into force, the US cut off its air support, intelligence, and contractors who were equipped to use the country's helicopters and aeroplanes. In short, the Afghan military entirely fell apart, with several soldiers simply changing out of their uniforms to civilian clothes. 

 

What Did President Biden Have to Say?

 

On Monday, President Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw military troops from Afghanistan, arguing that nation-building was never their initial goal. "After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces. Any more years in Afghanistan would not have made any difference. US troops were bearing the brunt for them [Afghans]...I always promised Americans that I'll be straight with them. The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we anticipated, even though we planned for every contingency," he said from the White House. Due to this statement, the President received flak from Afghan nationals who gathered outside the White House to protest against his decision. The agitated protestors were heard saying, "Biden, you betrayed us", "Biden, you are responsible", and "Taliban, go to hell." 

 

What Does This Mean For the Afghan Women? 

 

The Afghan women, who had uncovered their faces to breathe the air of freedom in 2001, are again feeling suffocated with the fear of what is to come. Their fear stems from the fact that the Taliban may reinforce the harsh, regressive laws that were put into effect during their control from 1996 to 2001. Back then, women were required to wear a burqa and could only step out when accompanied by a male relative. They were also barred from attending school or working outside their homes. 

According to a November 2001 report on the Taliban's war against women by the US State Department in 1977, women comprised over 15% of Afghanistan's highest legislative bodies. It is estimated that in the early 1990s, 70% of school teachers, 50% of government workers and university students, and 40% of doctors in Kabul were women. But the Taliban made sure that women were devoid of all their independence. They were banned from studying, working, healthcare, politics, speaking out to an audience, showing skin in public, and stepping outside unaccompanied. If the strict rules weren't adhered to, severe (and often immediate) punishments followed—from being flogged on spot to being stoned. 

 

What Is Happening At the Kabul Airport?

 

As uncertainty and fear gripped the nation on Sunday, several Afghans and refugees flooded the Kabul airport in an attempt to evacuate the once-again invaded country. In the desperation to flee Afghanistan, photographs and videos captured civilians clinging on to the tires of a US military plane, even as it left the ground. Horrifying and deeply saddening videos of Afghanis falling from the plane, mid-air, also went viral on the internet. 

 

Can Any of Us Help? If Yes, How? 

 

Besides learning more about the crisis, following real-time updates, circulating authentic social media posts, and showing your support, you can donate to a list of charities, fundraisers, and relief campaigns working to help the people of Afghanistan.

1. Afghan Aid is responding with emergency assistance, supporting families who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the conflict. 

2. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched a campaign to provide life-saving aid, emergency cash assistance, and protection services for internally displaced citizens in Kabul.

3. Afghan Women and Children and Jalala foundation are working to protect women and children fighting to survive the following decades of war.

4. Enabled Children Initiative is providing care to Afghan children and the youth.

5. Islamic relief: Afghanistan is assisting families forced to flee their homes during the crisis.

 

As the Taliban curtails the humanitarian rights of women in Afghanistan, it is the need of the hour to show your support to female reporters who face massive threats while reporting on the field. "In the last 24 hours, our lives have changed and we have been confined to our homes, and death threatens us at every moment," said one woman journalist to the Guardian. "Firstly I am worried about myself because I am a girl, and also a woman journalist," said another media member. You can donate to Rukshana, to support women journalists. 

 

You can also sign the following petitions to protect the rights and lives of the affected Afghan people. 

1. Protect Afghanistan’s human rights defenders

2. President Biden and Congress: Ensure Afghan women’s rights alongside peace with the Taliban

3. Raise awareness of the mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Iran