After the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, they gained access to large stockpiles of weapons and equipment left behind, significantly enhancing their military strength. While they claim to have transitioned from an insurgency to a state military, questions remain about their ability to ensure national security and suppress extremist groups like ISIS-K. The totalitarian Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was established in 1996 and the Afghan capital was transferred to Kandahar.
At its peak, formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban’s government was acknowledged by only three nations: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. It held control of most of the country until being overthrown after the American-led invasion of Afghanistan in December 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The Taliban enforce their interpretation of Sharia law, emphasizing traditional punishments and religious edicts.
