In a stark departure from the promises outlined in the historic Doha Agreement signed in February 2020, the Taliban has failed to honor key commitments, plunging Afghanistan into a renewed wave of violence and social restrictions.
The bilateral accord, brokered between the United States and the Taliban, was anticipated to pave the way for lasting peace in the war-torn nation.
Contrary to the agreed-upon timeline for the withdrawal of American troops, the Taliban not only resumed attacks on Afghan security forces and civilians but also failed to establish an official ceasefire.
The Council on Foreign Relations reveals a troubling surge in violence, with a sharp increase in Taliban-led attacks during 2020 and 2021.
A concerning trend has emerged as the Taliban, now in control of Kabul after two decades of conflict, disregards fundamental clauses of the agreement.
Schools have been shuttered, music banned, and strict social restrictions imposed on women, highlighting a stark departure from the inclusive vision promised during negotiations.
The catastrophic events of August 26, 2021, saw 167 Afghans losing their lives in two suicide attacks outside Kabul Airport. Furthermore, the Taliban’s direct assaults on urban areas, including Kandahar and Herat, underscore the deteriorating security situation. Reports from the Council on Foreign Relations indicate the capture of Nimroz’s capital by the Taliban on August 6, 2021, in clear violation of the Doha Agreement.
Alarming statistics from the US inspector general indicate that the Taliban’s increased attacks on Afghan forces post-February 2020 have left the nation grappling with a security crisis. Compounding the issue, 5,000 Taliban fighters, initially detained in Afghan prisons, have been released and are now actively involved in global terrorist activities.
The Taliban’s actions also include rampant corruption and political interference, resulting in low morale among Afghan forces. Despite the optimism surrounding the Doha Agreement, Afghanistan finds itself at a crossroads, with the international community closely monitoring the situation as efforts to salvage the peace process intensify.
