Taliban and Four Years of Authoritarianism
An Analytical Study of the Political, Social, and Geopolitical Dimensions of Afghanistan within an Ethno-Political and Religious Extremist Axis
Introduction
Over the past four years, Afghanistan has once again endured a bitter and repetitive experience in its political history—an experience in which the oppressed and victimized people of this land have been forced to live under the shadow of tyranny, violence, and repression, facing an uncertain future. What the Taliban have imposed during this period is not merely a repetition of the failures of the previous republic, but rather a more naked and expanded form of authoritarianism, systematic exclusion of social forces, and geopolitical dependency on external powers.
This article, by focusing on the developments of the past four years, examines the political, social, religious, and geopolitical dimensions of Taliban rule and demonstrates how this group has effectively become the “low-cost ground army” of global powers.
1. The Social and Political Dimensions of Taliban Rule
A defining feature of the Taliban’s governance has been the persistence of social and political inequality. While promises of justice and the application of Islamic law were made, in practice it was the defenseless soldiers of the former army and the poor who became the victims, whereas the officials and families of the former republic were protected by the Taliban and their foreign sponsors.
• Systematic elimination of ordinary forces: Numerous reports confirm that low-ranking military personnel and civil servants of the former government have been deliberately and systematically persecuted, detained, or executed.
• Culture of impunity: Instead of holding republican officials accountable for corruption, betrayal, and mass flight, the Taliban safeguarded them—revealing hidden linkages between the republic and the emirate through secretive agreements.
• Suppression of women and youth: Women and young generations, who emerged over the last two decades as new social forces for change, have been most severely repressed. From the exclusion of girls from education to forced marriages and the crushing of civic protests, these policies exemplify dehumanizing and anti-cultural practices.
2. Religious and Ideological Dimensions
Although the Taliban came to power under the claim of implementing Islamic law, in practice they imposed an instrumentalized interpretation of religion. Obedience to Taliban leaders replaced adherence to the Qur’an and Islamic principles. What emerged was a power-centered, politicized version of faith designed to legitimize authoritarian rule. This process has not only eroded social trust in religion but also transformed faith into a mechanism of oppression.
3. Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Dimensions
The Taliban have functioned not as a legitimate state but as a proxy force within regional and global equations. The Doha Agreement epitomizes this reality:
• Airspace and military bases: Through undisclosed clauses, the Taliban effectively surrendered Afghan airspace and key military bases to foreign powers.
• A low-cost proxy army: With minimal expense, the Taliban have undertaken costly tasks once borne by the United States and other powers—from combating ISIS and al-Qaeda to securing foreign economic interests in Afghanistan’s resources.
• Economic dimensions: Strategic mines such as Mes Aynak (copper), Amu Darya (oil), and major iron deposits have reportedly been leased to the United States and its allies for up to a century. This has not only devastated Afghanistan’s national economy but also reduced the country to a mere raw resource appendage within the geopolitical strategies of global powers.
4. Consequences and the Future of Afghanistan
Four years of Taliban rule have demonstrated that this new authoritarianism differs little from the corrupt former republic—except that it now wears a religious mask. Afghan citizens, particularly women and youth, have borne the heaviest costs.
The fundamental question is whether the people will again succumb to silence and inaction, or whether—through national awakening, civil resistance, and the creation of a legitimate and popular alternative—they will chart a new course.
Summary Statement
If we compare the practices of the Taliban Emirate under Hibatullah Akhundzada with the interim Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Shar’a (Jolani), we find that the Taliban leadership deserves nothing but condemnation. Whereas Jolani issued arrest warrants against Assad and other tyrants of the century, the Taliban—despite early expectations—never prosecuted Ashraf Ghani, Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah, Hekmatyar, or other fleeing officials of defense, interior, and intelligence. Instead, on the instructions of their patrons, they assumed responsibility for protecting these figures and securing their privileges.
In stark contrast, ordinary Afghan soldiers and security personnel—poor and defenseless individuals who had served their nation for survival—were systematically massacred across the country. This targeted elimination continues even after four years, particularly against those who have returned from Pakistan and Iran.
In every political system, it is the poor and defenseless who are sacrificed. Because Taliban leaders have proven themselves spies, hypocrites, and godless opportunists, the people must not repeat the mistakes of the republic and succumb once again to deception. A just and legitimate alternative must arise from the nation’s suffering masses—led by purposeful youth and courageous women—to bring an end to the chronic crises of the Afghan people.
The reality is stark: it is the defenseless citizens, particularly women and military personnel, who are slaughtered at the command of historical and civilizational enemies. After four years of oppression, violence, plunder, humiliation, and degradation, the time has come to end silence. Otherwise, Afghans face gradual death, forced displacement, imprisonment, or subjugation of their dignity and honor.
True salvation lies not in submission but in awakening, unity, and national uprising.
Conclusion
Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture. The Taliban, through broken promises, subservience to foreign powers, and merciless repression, have entrenched the cycle of crisis. Yet history proves that no tyranny endures indefinitely. Only awareness, unity, and a national uprising can shatter this vicious cycle.
Purposeful youth and brave women can form the backbone of a genuine national alternative, paving the way toward a just and independent future for Afghanistan.
Therefore, O my people, O valiant youth of the nation, and O courageous women of this afflicted land—before it is too late, rise up and liberate yourselves from bondage, and free your country from foreign domination. With God’s help, liberation is possible, and faith in divine justice assures us of victory.
Awareness of truth remains the essential key to the success of nations and the flourishing of civilizations.
Final Note for the Afghan People
The republic is the emirate, and the emirate is the republic. Both sets of elites, along with their families, live comfortably while only their posts and locations have changed. For example, Hibatullah has been relocated from Pakistan to Kandahar, while Ashraf Ghani has moved from Kabul to Dubai.
Dr. Khalideen Ziaee
Head of the Educational Discourse Think Tank of the Afghan Nation.
