The Taliban marked the third anniversary of the Biden-Harris administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan on Wednesday, celebrating its firm control over the country despite international condemnation.

The occasion was highlighted by victory parades, in which Taliban fighters showcased American military equipment left behind three years ago during the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal in August 2021, as Breitbart reports.

In the years since the U.S. exit, the Taliban has solidified its hold on Afghanistan, enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic law that has drawn widespread criticism, particularly for its impact on women and girls.

Despite ongoing sanctions and international efforts to provide humanitarian aid, the Taliban continues to govern with an iron fist.

Sanctions and Humanitarian Aid: A Balancing Act

When the Taliban took control in 2021, President Joe Biden vowed to keep the group isolated, promising that the international community would not recognize or engage with the regime. However, the reality has been more complex, with Western nations adopting a mix of isolation and selective engagement, particularly in areas of humanitarian concern.

Sanctions were swiftly imposed on Afghanistan following the Taliban's ascent to power, aimed at pressuring the regime to relax its draconian restrictions, especially those targeting women and girls.

These sanctions have had a significant impact on the Afghan economy, though it has seen slight improvements in the past year. Despite these measures, the international community has continued to provide aid to alleviate widespread poverty and famine, recognizing the severe humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.

International Engagement: A Shifting Landscape

Despite the lack of official recognition, the Taliban has managed to establish diplomatic relations with several countries. Neighboring nations like Pakistan and Kazakhstan have struck trade agreements and extended diplomatic credentials to Taliban-appointed ambassadors. Russia has hinted at recognizing the Taliban, with President Vladimir Putin stating, "We must follow the realities and establish our relations accordingly."

The Taliban has also received foreign emissaries in Qatar, Iran, and the UAE, with Qatar going as far as inviting the group to reopen diplomatic facilities in Kabul. Meanwhile, Afghanistan maintains partially functioning embassies in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and India.

Human Rights Under Taliban Rule

The Taliban's governance has been marked by severe human rights abuses, particularly against women. The group enforces medieval laws that ban women from schools, workplaces, and even public facilities like beauty salons. Political dissent is not tolerated, with all other political parties outlawed, and independent media silenced. Reports from the United Nations suggest that the extent of torture and extrajudicial killings by the Taliban is likely underreported, as fear of reprisal keeps many victims silent.

Despite these abuses, the Taliban claims that Afghanistan is more secure under their rule. According to the Taliban's Interior Ministry, anti-security incidents have declined by 90% over the past year. The group asserts that they have largely eliminated terrorist activities within the country, particularly those orchestrated by ISIS, which claimed responsibility for the majority of the 130 casualties in terrorist attacks reported last year.

Economic Conditions and Foreign Investment

Afghanistan's economy has been in dire straits since the Taliban took over, with foreign investment plummeting. However, the past year has seen slight improvements, thanks in part to significant investments from China. The Chinese government has shown a keen interest in Afghanistan's oil and mineral resources, including valuable lithium deposits, which are crucial for various high-tech industries.

The Taliban's ability to attract foreign investment, despite their isolation, underscores the complexity of the situation in Afghanistan. While no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, 39 nations have extended diplomatic credentials to Taliban ambassadors, signaling a begrudging acceptance of the group's control.

Diplomatic Relations and Security Assurances

The Taliban has worked to establish diplomatic ties and present itself as the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan. Their spokesmen frequently tout the country's newfound security, asserting that Afghanistan is fully under the control of the Islamic Emirate, with no unauthorized or armed groups posing a threat. This narrative has been bolstered by reports from residents in Kabul, who describe the ability to travel freely across the country, from Kandahar to Pamir Badakhshan.

Despite these claims, the international community remains wary. The U.N. Security Council's decision to temporarily lift travel bans on four Taliban officials last year for the hajj pilgrimage highlights the ongoing dilemma of whether to engage with or isolate the regime.

Conclusion: Afghanistan's Future Remains Uncertain

Three years after the U.S. withdrawal, the Taliban's grip on Afghanistan appears stronger than ever.

While the group faces significant international sanctions and criticism for its human rights abuses, particularly against women, it continues to consolidate power and attract foreign investment, especially from China.

The international community remains divided on how to approach the Taliban, with some countries engaging in selective diplomacy while others maintain a more isolationist stance.

The future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule remains uncertain, with the group's claims of security and control standing in stark contrast to the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises within the country.