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A Closer Look: What next for Afghanistan?

With its economy in ruins and millions of women locked out of the workplace, we look at what the future may hold for its people

The National

August 17, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the biggest stories of the week.

After two years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan is in economic ruin.

Shunned by the international community for its laws against women and freedoms, the regime has no clear path to getting the country back on its feet.

The streets of Kabul may be safer. But that's because the Taliban were behind the bombings and killings that plagued the fallen republic, critics say.

This week, Sulaiman Hakemy, who worked on this week's special report on the Taliban takeover: two years on, discusses the future of the country and its people with presenter Anjana Sankar.

Read more

Exclusive: Taliban opium ban 'fuelling Afghan migration to Europe'

Podcast: How sanctions crippled all of Afghanistan

This combination of photos shows women posing for portraits in different cities in Afghanistan. Since their takeover two years ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear. All photos by AFP
This combination of photos shows women posing for portraits in different cities in Afghanistan. Since their takeover two years ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear. All photos by AFP
TOLOnews TV anchor Tahmina Usmani, 23, is one of a handful of female journalists who have been able to continue working in the sector. 'I was able to join TOLOnews and be the voice for women in Afghanistan, which makes me feel great,' she says.
TOLOnews TV anchor Tahmina Usmani, 23, is one of a handful of female journalists who have been able to continue working in the sector. 'I was able to join TOLOnews and be the voice for women in Afghanistan, which makes me feel great,' she says.
TV journalist and university student Farkhunda Muhibi, 21. Muhibi is one of a small number of female journalists who have been able to continue working under the Taliban regime.
TV journalist and university student Farkhunda Muhibi, 21. Muhibi is one of a small number of female journalists who have been able to continue working under the Taliban regime.
Baker Shapari, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. 'During these hard times, it is my job that has made me happy,' she says. 'My husband is jobless, and staying at home. I am able to find food for my children.'
Baker Shapari, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. 'During these hard times, it is my job that has made me happy,' she says. 'My husband is jobless, and staying at home. I am able to find food for my children.'
Businesswoman and beekeeper Ghuncha Gul Karimi, 35, poses for a portrait in Herat. Karimi expanded her beekeeping business to produce honey for sale after her husband left the country. 'I've taken up two extra jobs and bought a motorcycle to drive myself from the honey farm and back,' she says. 'I am determined to become the queen of honey bees.'
Businesswoman and beekeeper Ghuncha Gul Karimi, 35, poses for a portrait in Herat. Karimi expanded her beekeeping business to produce honey for sale after her husband left the country. 'I've taken up two extra jobs and bought a motorcycle to drive myself from the honey farm and back,' she says. 'I am determined to become the queen of honey bees.'
Artist and art teacher Manezha Sultani, 24, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the Taliban took over, I had no fear - I used to attend exhibitions, go to events and see everything I desired. But when the takeover happened, I was afraid of how it would impact my job and my rights,' she says. 'I have not had any good experiences since the Taliban took over.'
Artist and art teacher Manezha Sultani, 24, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the Taliban took over, I had no fear - I used to attend exhibitions, go to events and see everything I desired. But when the takeover happened, I was afraid of how it would impact my job and my rights,' she says. 'I have not had any good experiences since the Taliban took over.'
Mathematics and robotics teacher Sumaya Sultani, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the collapse, I participated in international technology events, and I used to work late nights on various projects and coach the Afghan girls’ robotics team. But after the Taliban takeover, everything we worked for and achieved turned to dust.'
Mathematics and robotics teacher Sumaya Sultani, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the collapse, I participated in international technology events, and I used to work late nights on various projects and coach the Afghan girls’ robotics team. But after the Taliban takeover, everything we worked for and achieved turned to dust.'
Doctor and mental health counsellor Mursal, 35, poses for a portrait at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. Since their takeover a year ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear.
Doctor and mental health counsellor Mursal, 35, poses for a portrait at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. Since their takeover a year ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear.
Silk weaver Maryam Osmani, 50, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Silk weaver Maryam Osmani, 50, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Nargis Hashimi, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Nargis Hashimi, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Radio journalist and artist Rozina Sherzad, 19, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
Radio journalist and artist Rozina Sherzad, 19, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
Taekwondo athlete Zarghunna Noori, 23, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Taekwondo athlete Zarghunna Noori, 23, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Student Mahtab Jamshidi, 17, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Student Mahtab Jamshidi, 17, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Seamstress Rozia Khpalwak, 23, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
Seamstress Rozia Khpalwak, 23, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
Shampoo factory worker Robina, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. There is hardly a woman in the country who has not lost a male relative in successive wars, while many of their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers have also lost their jobs or seen their income shattered as a result of a deepening economic crisis.
Shampoo factory worker Robina, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. There is hardly a woman in the country who has not lost a male relative in successive wars, while many of their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers have also lost their jobs or seen their income shattered as a result of a deepening economic crisis.
The deputy director of the women’s bazaar in Herat, Freshta Ishaqzai, 32.
The deputy director of the women’s bazaar in Herat, Freshta Ishaqzai, 32.
Shaima Wafa, 40, a cultural affairs reporter for an Iranian media outlet, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Shaima Wafa, 40, a cultural affairs reporter for an Iranian media outlet, poses for a portrait in Herat.
Knitter and garment maker Gul Guti, 55, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
Knitter and garment maker Gul Guti, 55, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.
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Updated: March 06, 2024, 7:55 AM`
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