The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a grand celebration at the former U.S. air base in Bagram, Afghanistan. The event, held under clear skies and bright sunshine, showcased the Taliban Cabinet praising achievements such as strengthening Islamic law and establishing a military system focused on providing peace and security.
Addressing an international audience, the Taliban leaders called for the diaspora to return and urged Western nations to engage and cooperate with the current Afghan government. They emphasized the elimination of internal differences and the promotion of unity and cooperation within the country, asserting that Afghan soil would not be used against any other nation.
However, the speeches made no mention of the significant challenges facing the Afghan population, including widespread hunger, high unemployment rates, and economic instability. Aid agencies have highlighted the urgent need for increased humanitarian efforts in the country, warning that without more diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, particularly concerning the rights of women and girls, the situation could worsen.
The Bagram parade, the Taliban's most elaborate display since regaining control in 2021, featured military hardware abandoned by U.S. and NATO forces, including helicopters, Humvees, and tanks. Uniformed soldiers marched with various weapons, while a motorcycle formation proudly carried the Taliban flag.
Simultaneously, celebrations took place in Kabul and other provinces, with men parading through the streets in pickup trucks and showcasing symbolic representations of past conflicts, such as yellow canisters symbolizing roadside bombs. Notably, women did not participate in the anniversary festivities, consistent with previous years.
Despite the grandeur of the event, the absence of acknowledgment of the hardships faced by many Afghans and the lack of international recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government underscore the ongoing challenges in the country.
The Taliban declared Wednesday a national holiday in honor of the anniversary, emphasizing their continued hold on power and their vision for the future of Afghanistan.
