Conflict, human rights abuses, poverty and economic crisis. These are all problems currently occurring in Afghanistan. These problems have become more serious since the Taliban returned to power, but in fact, they are not the Taliban's problems alone. The U.S. and other countries have also been behind the worsening of the situation. In retrospect, Afghanistan has been caught up in the wars and interventions of other countries and has been strongly influenced by them.19In the 19th century, the British and RussiandisputeIt was the setting for the20At the end of the century, the Soviet Union (USSR)Afghanistan invasionand furthermore21As we enter the 21st century.AmericaThe country has been at the mercy of major powers, including military intervention by the

The problems Afghanistan is raising are due to a variety of factors, both domestic and international, and this article explores such issues in Afghanistan from the perspective of the food crisis and other humanitarian crises, as well as human rights violations against women.

A man with a town ravaged by conflict (Photo:Carpetblogger/Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0])

History of Afghanistan

As a prerequisite here, we would like to briefly review the history of Afghanistan. Prior to the modern era, the region that is now Afghanistan was the home of various Asian states, including the Achaemenid and Sasanian dynasties and the Mongol Empire.Under control/influenceIt was in the19As the country entered the era of imperialism in the 19th century, it became embroiled in the race to acquire European colonies. Russia sought to extend its rule southward, to the region of present-day Afghanistan.invasionThe United States was then in a state of conflict with Great Britain, which had colonies mainly in South Asia. At that time, it had colonies mainly in South Asia and clashed with Britain, which was expanding its territory to the north as well,great gameThe country is plunged into a conflict called the As a result, Afghanistan was1880The country has been under British rule since 1949.

1919After gaining independence in 1949, the situation in Afghanistan temporarily stabilized. The new king, Zahir Shah, promoted a policy of modernization, and with the support of the allied Soviet Union, the situation gradually stabilized.They were going to.On the one hand, there are forces that do not like it. On the other hand, there are forces that do not take kindly to this,1978Since around 1949, conservative Islamist groups in the country have been opposed to the Afghan government of the time.guerrilla attackThe government of Afghanistan was conducting a number of activities. The Soviet Union saw this civil unrest spreading and the situation in Afghanistan unstable and a coup d'etat was underway,1979Afghanistan in 2006.invasionThe United States and Saudi Arabia were the first to join the war. In response, Islamic armed groups from inside and outside the country, supported by countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United States, opposed them, and the Cold War between East and West also ensued.

1989This occupation, which lasted until 1949, dealt Afghanistan a heavy blow. Even after the withdrawal of Soviet troops, armed clashes continued to break out in the country. In the midst of this situation, a group was formed to restore stability to the devastated Afghanistan under its own rule.TalebanIt is a Originally an organization formed by theology students, the PakistanisupportThe Afghan government took one Afghan city after another, receiving1996Kabul, the capital of the country, in 2006.controldid. During Taliban rule, they imposed various rules of life according to strict Islamic law. In particular, they had policies that suppressed human rights, such as restricting women from working and learning. Meanwhile, at this time, forces including members of the former regime, who had been driven north by the Taliban, were in the northern region of Afghanistan.Northern AllianceThe company will form an armed force called the

But the Taliban regime did not last long.2001in the U.S. in 2006.9.11After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. tried to eradicate al-Qaeda, the group believed to be the mastermind behind the attacks, by sending ainvasionand also launches attacks on the Taliban for defending al-Qaeda. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other multinational forces attacked,2001counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)12The Taliban regime collapsed in June. Until then, it had opposed the Taliban.Northern Alliancealso regained power with the support of a multinational force and transitioned to a new government under the supervision of the United States.

With the fall of the Taliban regime, many of the previous policies that suppressed human rights were lifted, even as the country became dependent on the U.S. forces stationed there. Meanwhile, the Taliban gradually expanded its influence into Afghanistan.recoveryThe company had them do it. Background.1One of the reasons for this is that the corruption of government forces made it easy for outsiders to infiltrate the country.be captured (e.g. data) Also. Also.2014in the yearNATOOne reason was that the withdrawal of the military had created a vacuum in the country. Other reasons were that the government during this period was installed by an outside force, the United States, where corruption wasIt was pervasive.This led to a background of public discontent and support for the Taliban.2020counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)2In May, the Taliban reached an agreement with the U.S. to withdraw U.S. troops on the condition that the Taliban would not engage in terrorism in the future.decisionThe parties agreed to the following. Based on that agreement2021counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8With the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops in June, the Taliban took control of Kabul and assumed power in the same month when the Afghan army briefly collapsed.

Taliban fighters in Kabul (Photo:Callum Darragh / Wikimedia Commons [CC0 1.0])

Governing the New Taliban Regime

2021The Taliban has been resurrected since 2006, but what kind of organization is it and what is its relationship with neighboring countries? The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan for a total of34regions, with a chief appointed to each.governingThe central government is also working on education, the military, and other areas. In addition, the central government is working on education, military, and other18The state is formed by forming a ministry-like organization with departmental committees and appointing a cadre to each department. In terms of policy, it is also a supportive bodyPashtun (person)The influence of the The Pashtuns comprise about half of Afghanistan's population.4The Taliban's policies are also based on their ideology and claims.affectreceived.

We will then look at the relationship between the restored Taliban and other countries. First, let us look at relations with neighboring countries. First, the neighboring country of Pakistan has long been a close ally of the Taliban.relationshipAfghanistan is located in the United States and has provided financial assistance to the country. Neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan also consider Afghanistan an important country in terms of trade.counterpartyThe two countries continue to maintain diplomatic relations because they are On the other hand, India, whose relations with Afghanistan depend on the conflict with Pakistan, cut off relations immediately after the Taliban regime was established, but is now reviewing its relations with Afghanistan, partly because of its strong relationship with the previous regime.I'm showing you.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

Then there are relations with European countries. The European Union (EU) economic sanctions as a response to the Taliban's discriminatory policies against women.Assignment.The domestic economy is in a severely damaged situation from trade restrictions due to sanctions. Also noteworthy is the relationship with the United States.2021counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8In May, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the assets of the Central Bank of Afghanistan, held in U.S. banks, had been sold to the Afghan government for approximatelyUS$7 billionindicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.freeze (e.g. program, food, etc.)The first time, the company was in a position to do so. However2022counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8If the assets are unfrozen in June, they will be divided and used without permission.announcementThe first half of the project was Half of the9.11One was to be used to support the families of the victims of the attacks, and the other was to be used for "humanitarian aid" in Afghanistan. However, the latter is to be provided without the Taliban government, and as a result, it remains confiscated by the US and has not reached the Afghan people. This will lead to a further humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

A Taliban flag affixed to the U.S. Embassy (Photo:AhmadElhan / Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 4.0])

The United Nations has also taken a fundamentally tough stand against the Taliban regime. The UN Security Council has imposed sanctions against individuals and organizations associated with the Taliban,2022counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)12Continuing them in May, thedecisionThe United States and Afghanistan have been the only countries in the world to receive humanitarian assistance. On the other hand, however, humanitarian assistance within Afghanistan has been exceptional.admitThe Taliban government has decided after the restoration of the Taliban regime that it will

Serious Humanitarian Crisis

Afghanistan is once again under the Taliban regime, but the lives of the Afghan people are now in a state of crisis. The first issue is the lack of food.2022As of August, 2006.90%It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million people do not get enough to eat. Furthermore, among them600More than 10,000 peopleare on the verge of severe starvation. And with the latest data2023counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)4Month～10in January1,530As many as 10,000,000 people are food insecure.predictionand the situation remains serious. The economy is also in crisis, and in Afghanistan, since the restoration of the Taliban,50allIt is estimated that as many as 1,000 people have lost their jobs.

What exactly is behind this situation?1The first is crop failure due to natural disasters. Afghanistan is suffering from drought,2021counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)12As of March, the country's land area was about 1.5 million square kilometers.80down to %.far reaching2023.8As of June, things were still not going well.Not improved.It is called. Also.Year 2022in order tofloodof the national land by3-th (e.g. one fifth)1were damaged, causing damage to crops and livelihood infrastructure.

Drought in Afghanistan (Photo:UNHCR/ACNUR Américas / Flickr [CC BY-NC-SA 2.0])

Another important factor is the lack of adequate support from foreign countries.1One.2021Since the Taliban came to power in 1948, many high-income countries, including Western countries, have been providing economic aid to the government.Stopped.The Taliban regime has been the main source of food for the country. Also, since the Taliban regime, the World Food Organization (World Food ProgrammeDonor funding for thedecreaseThe amount of aid has been forced to decrease due to the This is another reason why many people are suffering economically after the restoration of Taliban1The two are.

Lastly, the Central Bank of Afghanistan is not functioning adequately. In the background are the policies implemented by the U.S. government. Due to the aforementioned U.S. policy, the funds that Afghanistan was supposed to have are still in the possession of the U.S.conditionThe country is now in the process of becoming a This has made it impossible for Afghanistan to adopt a policy of economic stability due to lack of funds. Furthermore, the paper moneysupply shortageThe result was a flood of impoverished people in the city. This U.S. policy1The lives of many Afghan people are suffering because of the two.

In addition, poppy production, once a major industry in Afghanistan, has been drastically reduced due to their use as a raw material for narcotics.decreaseThe economic situation in Afghanistan has also been worsened by the fact that the poppy is not only a major crop, but also a major source of income for the country. The poppy is easy to grow in dry land and was once the main crop in Afghanistan'sGDP(at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusion9～14%The industry was an important one, accounting for as much as However2022Since 1949, due to Taliban policy, poppy production has been90% or moreThe number of employees has also been reduced.Opium is basically exported, because it affects trade with neighboring countries.The poppy industry was not limited to poppy farmers, but also contributed to cooling down the economy of Afghanistan as a whole.

Poppy grown in Afghanistan (photo:United Nations Photo / Frickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ])

In addition, the Taliban's human rights abuses have in some respects worsened the situation in the country themselves. Women's restricted employment has reduced household incomes and has also affected the economy.negative influenceare reaching. The economic losses resulting from restricted employment of women areUS$1 billionafter the Taliban's resurgence. The next chapter looks at the Taliban's policy of discrimination against women, which also has this negative impact on the economy.

Human Rights Violations Against Women

What are the Taliban's policies of human rights violations that have had a negative impact on the country's economy and foreign policy? Immediately after being restored to power, the Taliban again veered toward restricting the various rights of women.2022counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)1In May, he declared that women would be banned from entering secondary school. In addition2022counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)12Starting in May, women will be allowed to enter the university.prohibitionThe first time the company was founded, it was a small company.2023From the year 20006Women will not be able to receive all higher education except for a one-year primary education,2023counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8As of June, therestrictioncontinues. Only a short time after the resurgence of the Taliban1In about two years, Afghanistan has reverted to a country where women do not even have access to education.

Afghan schoolgirls taking classes outdoors (Photo:) United Nations Photo / Frickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ])

In addition to education, women's rights are also severely restricted. In terms of daily life, women are required to cover their faces with a cloth at all times.enforcementand without a male chaperone.75kmThe government also allows you to move beyond theprohibitionThe freedom to choose one's occupation was also lost. There was no longer any freedom of choice in terms of occupation. It is no longer possible for women to work as doctors, journalists, or other professionals.restrictionIn addition, the government has made it impossible for them to find jobs in the domestic and agricultural sectors. In addition, non-profit institutions (nonprofit organizationIn addition, women are not allowed to work in thenonprofit organizationThe operations of aid agencies have been slowed by the lack of labor in the food shortage in theaggravationIt has also led to Thus, many women have lost their jobs as a result of the Taliban's policies, which has further contributed to food shortages and poverty because many families do not have sufficient income.

Changing Situation and Future Prospects

So far we have looked at the social, political, and diplomatic situation in Afghanistan. The country is in crisis on many fronts, not only because of the Taliban, but also because of its history of military intervention and interference by major powers. And in recent years there have been several changes in the Taliban's relations with other countries, one of which is with the U.S. In August 2023, the U.S. and the Taliban held negotiations in Qatar regarding the easing of sanctions.Gone.The United States is the only country in the world that has not yet taken action on the issue. This could lead to improved relations with Western countries and an end to the humanitarian crisis. Another new actor is China, which in February 2023 announced plans to invest in oil extraction in Afghanistan.reportedlyChina is also a new actor that may have an impact on the situation in Afghanistan.

Doha, Qatar in 2020The signing ceremony that resulted in an agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban(Photo): U.S. Department of State / Frickr [United States Government work].)

While international relations are changing on a daily basis, the humanitarian crisis remains severe. Related to food shortages is the recent outbreak of large numbers of grasshoppers, which are destroying crops andReported.The grasshoppers are a major threat to the livelihoods of farmers. Grasshoppers devour all crops, including wheat and beans, and are expected to have a tremendous impact on farm households and further accelerate food shortages.

Also, regarding human rights violations, the Taliban closed down a beauty salon for women.reportThe reason for this is that it is against Islamic teachings. The reason given is that it is against the teachings of Islam, but this restriction may further narrow the range of women's occupational choices and adversely affect their employment and economic situation.

furthermore2023counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)1In May, a conflict within the Taliban's ranks of power threatened to split the organization.reportThere are also of those in power within the administration.1This was triggered by a public statement made by Sirajuddin Haqqani, a person, that could be seen as a criticism of the Taliban's supposed supreme authority. The instability within the regime may exacerbate the problems that Afghanistan now faces.

We will keep an eye on this situation to see what changes it will bring to Afghanistan.

Writer: Takumi Kuriyama

Graphic: Mayu Nakata

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