Afghanistan’s Taliban marked the fourth anniversary of their return to power on Friday with nationwide celebrations, made more significant by Russia’s first official recognition of their government.
In Kabul, the white-and-black flags of the self-styled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan fluttered across the city. Helicopters were set to drop flowers, while Taliban members gathered near the shuttered US embassy on Thursday night, waving flags, chanting slogans, and lighting fireworks.
Unlike previous years, there was no military parade at Bagram airbase, once the nerve centre of US-led operations in Afghanistan. The authorities gave no public explanation for the cancellation.
The Taliban’s anniversary comes against a backdrop of global isolation driven by their strict enforcement of Islamic law, which includes sweeping restrictions on women and girls. They are barred from most education, employment, public spaces, and even travel without a male guardian.
In July, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders over alleged crimes against humanity targeting women.
Despite this, the group has maintained ties with China, several Central Asian countries, and the United Arab Emirates, though without formal recognition. In early July, Russia broke ranks by becoming the first country to formally acknowledge the Taliban government.
Western engagement has been limited to talks, with recent visits from officials representing Norway, Britain, and the United States.
The United Nations’ human rights experts have cautioned against normalising relations, accusing the Taliban of running a “violent and authoritarian” administration that suppresses dissent, curtails media freedom, and institutionalises gender oppression.
Internally, the Taliban face little political resistance but must navigate economic fragility, shrinking international aid, and the return of millions of Afghans expelled from neighbouring countries.
