The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 for the second time. Since then, the former insurgents have consolidated their grip on power, excluded women and girls from public life, stamped out internal dissent and external challengers, and gained debut recognition as the country’s official government from Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The Taliban govern through decrees, but Afghans have aspirations and needs that cannot be fulfilled through edicts and ideology.
Climate change, an increasing population, and severe cuts to foreign aid will test the Taliban’s ability to lead and not just rule.
Here are five things to know about the Taliban as they start their fifth year in power:
The supreme leader has cemented his legacy
