They would be the last to admit to it, but the Taliban know very little about their religion.

Afghanistan, a land once celebrated for its rich cultural mosaic and enduring traditions, is now ensnared in the grip of the Taliban’s autocratic and ideologically rigid rule. Claiming divine legitimacy, the Taliban portray themselves as the vanguard of Islamic purity, yet their governance starkly contradicts the principles they claim to uphold. Their rule is marked not only by the suppression of dissent but by a devastating erosion of human rights, with women and children bearing the brunt of these violations.

The Taliban assert that their authority stems from a divine mandate, using Islam as the bedrock of their legitimacy. However, their actions—banning girls’ education, forbidding women from working, and publicly executing dissenters—betray the core tenets of Islam. Justice, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge are foundational Islamic values, yet the Taliban’s policies systematically undermine these ideals. From its origins as a fundamentalist insurgency to its current reign in Kabul, the Taliban have weaponized religion not as a means of fostering peace but as a tool to entrench authoritarian control.

This manipulation of faith has drawn condemnation from Afghan scholars and international bodies such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Their governance represents a profound betrayal of Islamic ethics, prompting calls from the global Muslim community for Afghanistan to reclaim its identity as a society rooted in justice and peace rather than oppression.

Beyond the ideological conflict lies a grim reality: Afghans live under constant fear and deprivation, stripped of their most basic rights. The Taliban’s flagrant disregard for human rights has alienated the international community, cutting off critical humanitarian aid. This compounded suffering directly results from the regime’s refusal to heed global calls for reform and its inability to govern inclusively.

Historically, Afghanistan’s identity has been shaped by its people’s values—riwaj (customary law) and tribal traditions—rather than religious extremism. While the Taliban’s rise is often framed as a homegrown phenomenon, their ascent was heavily influenced by covert agreements with foreign powers, particularly the United States. This betrayal of Afghanistan’s trajectory toward progress was further solidified through a convenient alliance with Pakistan, which provided sanctuary and support during the Soviet invasion. Afghanistan’s reputation as the “graveyard of empires” is often romanticized. Yet, this narrative overlooks the pivotal roles of external actors in shaping its modern history, including Pakistan, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan’s involvement in Afghanistan’s affairs cannot be understated. Despite internal challenges, Pakistan has been a sanctuary for Afghan refugees and a critical supporter during decades of conflict. This shared history and cultural ties have forged an enduring, albeit complex, relationship. While the Taliban accuse Pakistan of interference, Islamabad’s consistent support for Afghanistan’s stability remains an indispensable factor for regional peace.

The Taliban’s policies transcend domestic concerns, posing a regional and global threat. Their connections to terrorist organizations, violations of the Doha Agreement, and propagation of extremist ideologies jeopardize peace far beyond Afghanistan’s borders. The regime’s theological dogma accelerates radicalization, threatening stability across South Asia and beyond. Afghanistan risks reverting to a global epicenter for terrorism, with dire consequences for its neighbors and the wider world.

At its core, Afghanistan’s crisis is not just political but profoundly human. The Taliban’s draconian rule has erased individual freedoms, isolating the nation and deepening its suffering. Despite their claims of combating corruption, aid mismanagement remains rampant, enriching a privileged elite while ordinary citizens endure relentless hardship.

Yet, Afghanistan is not defined solely by the Taliban’s oppressive regime. With their rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit, the Afghan people continue to inspire hope. Their struggle for dignity and freedom demands the world’s unwavering support. This fight is not merely about politics but about ensuring that millions of lives are not lost to an authoritarian regime that distorts the faith it claims to champion.

The Taliban must be held accountable—not only for their human rights abuses but for their failure to represent the aspirations of the Afghan people. The international community is morally obligated to support Afghanistan’s journey toward reclaiming its identity, culture, and humanity. Only by confronting the Taliban’s grim vision can Afghanistan return to the path of peace, progress, and justice.