Afghanistan’s Taliban: Stuck in the Past, While the World Moves Forward

In an era where much of the Muslim world is embracing modernization and reform, the Afghan Taliban’s governance model stands as a stark and troubling outlier. Their rigid interpretation of Sharia law and regressive policies have isolated Afghanistan not only on the global stage but within the Islamic world itself. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the UAE are spearheading initiatives to empower women and foster inclusive development, highlighting the Taliban’s refusal to move beyond an antiquated worldview.

The Global Summit on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities, hosted in Islamabad, brought together over 150 delegates from 44 countries. The participants, including scholars, academics, and representatives from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank, advocated for empowering girls through education as a fundamental Islamic principle. Yet the event was marked by the Afghan Taliban’s absence, despite a formal invitation, and the notable lack of direct criticism toward their policies.

The Stark Divide: Taliban vs. Islamic Consensus

The Taliban’s failure to respond to the summit invitation underscores their growing isolation. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, emphasized that opposing women’s education is contrary to Islamic teachings. His assertion, backed by participants’ shared commitment to the Islamabad Declaration, highlighted the consensus within the Muslim world: true Islam supports gender equality and access to education.

Even as Islamic nations modernize, the Taliban remains entrenched in a governance model that undermines progress. While countries like Saudi Arabia are actively pursuing gender reforms under Vision 2030, including opening education and employment opportunities for women, Afghanistan has regressed. Girls are banned from secondary and higher education, and women face severe restrictions on work and public life, leaving half the population disenfranchised.

Regional and Global Implications

The Afghan Taliban’s policies have far-reaching consequences beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Neighboring Pakistan, already grappling with a resurgence of militancy from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements, has seen its security situation deteriorate. In 2023 alone, Pakistan experienced a 57% increase in militant attacks compared to the previous year, many of which were linked to Afghan-based groups.

Afghanistan under the Afghan Taliban has also become a sanctuary for transnational terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda and ISIS-K. This development poses a direct threat to global security, with fears that the region could once again become a hub for extremist training and operations.

Economically, Afghanistan is in freefall. The Afghan Taliban’s inability to govern effectively has resulted in widespread poverty, with over 90% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the United Nations. The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by the misuse of international aid. Reports suggest that funds from donors, including U.S. taxpayers, have been diverted to bolster extremist networks rather than alleviate the suffering of ordinary Afghans.

Contradictions and Consequences

The Afghan Taliban’s governance disregards Afghanistan’s ethnic and cultural diversity, marginalizing groups like the Hazaras, Tajiks, and Uzbeks. This has fueled internal tensions, with resentment simmering among communities excluded from decision-making processes. The lack of pluralism not only threatens Afghanistan’s unity but also risks reigniting civil conflict.

In contrast, nations like the UAE and Qatar are investing in education and development, showcasing how progressive policies can coexist with Islamic values. Qatar, for instance, has emerged as a global education hub, hosting international universities and promoting gender parity in education.

Women as the Battleground

The Afghan Taliban’s draconian policies against women are not merely a domestic issue but a battleground for the soul of Afghanistan. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt, emphasized at the summit that empowering women is non-negotiable. “The right to education is a universal principle, and those denying it must be held accountable,” she stated, urging global leaders to take concrete actions against the Taliban’s violations.

Malala’s voice joins a growing chorus within the Muslim world advocating for reforms. The Islamabad Declaration, aimed at empowering girls through education, represents a unified stand against extremist ideologies. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s pledge to present the declaration at the United Nations reflects the urgency of the issue.

Also See: Afghan Women Deserve Better

Conclusion

The Afghan Taliban’s governance model is a glaring outlier in an increasingly progressive Muslim world. While nations like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan champion women’s education and modernization, the Taliban clings to an archaic ideology that threatens regional stability and global security. The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, fueled by regressive policies, demands urgent international attention.

The Islamabad Declaration is a step forward, but meaningful change requires sustained pressure on the Taliban to reform. The global Muslim community’s message is clear: true Islam champions education, inclusivity, and progress. Afghanistan’s future depends on whether its leaders will heed this call—or remain trapped in a past that serves no one, least of all their own people.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.