The Taliban have prioritised international recognition over good governance and running a functional state. the rudimentary institutions they have since put in place don’t meet the needs of Afghanistan’s rapidly growing population (more than 40 million), impoverished by four decades of armed conflict. but now they are back, the Taliban cannot simply disregard the many political, social and economic problems for which they have no solution. Afghans today expect them to resolve land disputes and prosecute theft and murder, but also supply their basic needs in food, education, healthcare and jobs. The Taliban are trying to run a stripped-back (...)

Source: New York Times July 01, 2024 18:33 UTC