Aftermath of War: The People of Afghanistan

For over four decades, Afghanistan has been marred by conflict and war, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of its people. The 1980s saw a US backed Mujahideen insurgency fighting Soviet occupation, a war that left somewhere between 1.5 and 2 million civilians dead. When the Kremlin finally withdrew its forces in 1989, a series of civil wars erupted as opposing factions vied for control of the country. By 1997, the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group had emerged as the dominant force in the region.

The western-led War on Terror began with the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, less than a month after the 9/11 attacks in the US. The initial goals of dismantling Al Qaeda and toppling the Taliban government evaporated as a succession of US administrations found themselves bogged down in a 20 year conflict which saw continual resistance from Jihadist groups, well used to insurgency style conflict.

During the war, the daily lives of Afghans were marked by constant fear and uncertainty. The conflict took a toll on every aspect of life, from the basic necessities of food and shelter to access to education and healthcare. Violence and instability were a constant presence in most areas, making it challenging for people to go about their daily routines.

The 2021 withdrawal of remaining western forces was hailed as an "extraordinary success" by President Joe Biden, while the rest of us watched chaotic scenes from Kabul airport on our televisions. Desperate civilians clung to the sides of C17 transport planes, while Afghans who had worked with the occupiers were left wondering what would become of them.
What very few people actually saw coming was the almost immediate collapse of the Afghan National Army and political leadership, only for the Taliban once again to take control of the country.

The rapid resurgence of the Taliban has once again brought the country into the spotlight, prompting questions about the daily lives of Afghans during the war and once again under Taliban rule.

The Taliban see themselves as defenders of Islamic religion and culture, fighting against foreign occupation.

While the Taliban have promised a more inclusive and moderate approach compared to their previous regime, including a willingness to work with the international community, the people of Afghanistan are understandably cautious. Reports have emerged of restrictions on women's rights, limitations on freedom of expression, and a general sense of unease among the population.

One of the key concerns for Afghans is the impact on their livelihoods. While the war officially ended more than two years ago, it has left many communities devastated, with infrastructure in ruins and economic opportunities scarce. The Taliban's control has further exacerbated these challenges, as businesses struggle to operate and foreign aid is uncertain.

Afghanistan's economy collapsed after the US withdrawal in 2021, partly due to the end of western funding support, but mainly because of the chaos caused by the absence of an immediately effective administration to look after the interests of the people. Severe drought and the rise in wheat prices due to the Ukraine war has led to further suffering.

A 2023 ECHO, a humanitarian department of the EU reported that 28.3 million people – or two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population - require urgent humanitarian assistance to survive. Over 17 million people faced acute hunger in 2023, including 6 million people at emergency levels of food insecurity – one step away from famine.

Education has also been heavily affected by the war and Taliban rule. During the conflict, schools were often targeted, and many children were unable to attend classes due to safety concerns. While progress was made in recent years to improve access to education, the current situation raises concerns about the future of Afghan children's education. For many of the country’s children, completing primary school remains a distant dream, especially in rural areas, and for girls – despite recent progress in raising enrolment. In the poorest and most remote areas of the country, enrolment levels vary extensively and girls still lack equal access. UNICEF estimates that 3.7 million children are currently out-of-school in Afghanistan, over 60% of this number being girls. The underlying reasons for low girls’ enrolment is traditional norms and practices related to girls’ and women’s role in the society.

Healthcare is another critical area affected by the aftermath of the war and Taliban rule. The conflict has severely damaged the healthcare system, making it difficult for people to access adequate medical care particularly in the countryside. With the Taliban's return to power, there are concerns about the availability and quality of healthcare services, especially for the more vulnerable members of the population.

It is challenging to gauge the overall happiness of the Afghan people under Taliban rule. While some may find a sense of stability and security, others are undoubtedly apprehensive about the future. Many no doubt, feel let down by the international community. Its response and the Taliban's actions will play a significant role in shaping the lives of Afghans in the coming months and years.

As the world watches the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan unfold, it is crucial to remember the resilience and strength of the Afghan people. They have endured decades of conflict and uncertainty, yet continue to dream and strive for a better future.

While war is often seen as the failure of diplomacy among our leaders, it is invariably the poor people who suffer the consequences, and Afghanistan has some of the poorest communities on the planet. International support, combined with efforts to rebuild and restore stability, will be vital in ensuring a brighter future for Afghanistan and its people.