Taliban firmly in charge of Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary

Synopsis

On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Taliban sent defined signals of their control over Afghanistan by raising their flag over the presidential palace in Kabul. This event marks a significant moment as the Taliban, who were in power on September 11, 2001, have returned to govern the country following the U.S.-led NATO invasion that toppled their regime. The chaotic withdrawal of American forces just weeks prior has left the former U.S. embassy in Kabul deserted, with only American hardware and Taliban fighters remaining. While many in Kabul express wariness towards the Taliban, some, including dozens of female students at Kabul University, rally in support of the group, arguing that foreign media misrepresents them. This complex situation unfolds as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 highlights the ongoing tensions and the Taliban's defiance against Washington's motives, which many believe were focused on countering influences from China, Russia, and Iran rather than on Afghanistan itself.