The Taliban commemorated the fifth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan with celebrations in Kabul, highlighting their governance while facing internal dissatisfaction and international challenges.

Thousands gathered in Kabul to mark the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, with celebrations held in front of the former U.S. embassy. The event drew a mix of former fighters, high-ranking officials, and spectators, including families waving the Taliban’s white flag. However, the absence of women at the event underscored the regime’s continued restrictions on their participation in public life, reflecting the broader gender inequalities under Taliban rule.

The Taliban leadership sought to project an image of discipline and governance, with some officials emphasizing efforts to improve the regime’s global standing. For instance, women are still employed in limited roles, such as passport control at the Kabul airport, a move reportedly encouraged by the Taliban’s interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani. Despite being an internationally wanted figure, Haqqani is portrayed by some as a reformist within the regime. However, his stance on women’s rights remains controversial, with claims that Western influence has negatively impacted Afghan women over the past two decades.

While the Taliban celebrated their achievements, discontent simmered among some members. Former fighters expressed nostalgia for their days of combat, lamenting the challenges of governing a war-torn nation. Economic pressures and the need to address the return of millions of deportees from neighboring countries have added to the strain. Meanwhile, there is a growing desire among some Taliban members to engage with Western nations economically, particularly as billions of dollars in Afghan central bank reserves remain frozen in U.S. accounts. The anniversary highlighted the complex dynamics within the Taliban’s ranks and the challenges they face in balancing domestic expectations with international scrutiny.