Hashem Shakeri Documents Taliban-Era Afghan Resilience, Uncertainty

Afghanistan remains engulfed in turmoil following the Taliban's return to power, with photographers like Hashem Shakeri capturing the fragile yet tenacious human spirit amid widespread uncertainty and suffering. Opposition leaders such as Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, speaking from exile in Türkiye, predict the Taliban's inevitable collapse and criticize its oppressive regime, highlighting ongoing resistance efforts supported by Turkey, which uniquely hosts anti-Taliban factions while maintaining relations with the Taliban. The geopolitical landscape involves complex interactions, as Russia has rapidly embraced the Taliban diplomatically, granting significant privileges including ambassadorial recognition, despite receiving little tangible benefit in return. Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to endure a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by economic collapse and restrictions on women’s rights under Taliban rule, contrasting with the protracted conflict and displacement in Syria. Internal concerns within the Taliban leadership about potential fractures and collapse have also surfaced, indicating instability within the regime. These dynamics underscore Afghanistan's precarious position amid shifting regional alliances, persistent resistance, and profound human suffering.