The Afghanistan Monitor is a regular publication from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan that covers the political, economic and humanitarian situation since the Taliban takeover. Each issue features experts’ analysis of the country’s latest developments. It summarises the events  after Western forces left Afghanistan and the Taliban established themselves as the de facto authorities in the country.

Currently, Afghanistan is immersed in one of its most critical phases, even more so than the periods of violence and instability that characterised the past two decades. On 15 August 2021, the world looked on with trepidation as the situation reached a critical juncture, with the Afghan Taliban assuming control of the country. The takeover was swift, with little resistance from the masses, followed by the abrupt withdrawal of the United States and other Western forces. While there was little doubt about a Taliban revival with the Americans’ exit and in the absence of a negotiated settlement, a military takeover by the group was almost expected. The manner and speed with which Afghanistan fell to the Taliban was unprecedented.

Since then, the situation has led to new debates and unaddressed questions regarding the Taliban and changes in domestic governance, political freedoms, human rights, and especially women’s rights, counterterrorism assurances and the overall commitment to regional peace and stability. Initially, answers to these questions remained vague. The past year has somewhat set the tone regarding the Taliban’s policies, which is an indication of how the group intends to govern the country.

Download all the published monitors below: