Taliban mark 5 years in power as aid groups warn of crisis

Five years after seizing power, the Taliban marked the anniversary Saturday with a military parade outside the former US embassy in Kabul, framing it as a victory over Western influence. Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani credited the takeover to "morale, courage" and "divine assistance," while conceding, rarely, that "issues and problems" remain. Dawn notes the government is still recognized only by Russia, even as aid groups report record humanitarian need driven by drought, earthquakes, and mass deportations from Iran and Pakistan. Unesco says two point five million women and girls remain barred from secondary schools and universities under Taliban rule.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton