Five Years of Taliban Rule: Gains in Security, Growing Public Discontent

Security Gains Amid Ongoing Restrictions

The Taliban‑run administration in Afghanistan marked its fifth anniversary on 15 August 2026. In the capital Kabul and surrounding provinces, the regime claims to have restored a degree of security and stability that was absent after the 2021 collapse. The assessment comes from Obaidullah Baheer, a lecturer in transitional justice at the American University in Afghanistan, who notes both achievements and mounting grievances.

Since taking power, the Taliban have focused on curbing armed conflict and limiting the activities of rival militias. Their strict enforcement of law and order has reduced street crime and limited the movement of insurgent groups. However, the same policies that brought short‑term calm have also constrained civil liberties, limited economic opportunities, and strained relations with ordinary citizens. Baheer argues that the government’s narrow focus on security has left essential public services underfunded, fueling resentment across the population.

The most visible outcome of Taliban rule is a decline in large‑scale violence. Checkpoints and patrols have become common, and major cities report fewer bombings than in the immediate post‑2021 period. Residents in Kabul note that daily life feels „more predictable,” even as curfews and dress codes tighten. Baheer emphasizes that while the reduction in overt conflict is measurable, it comes at the cost of personal freedoms. Women’s access to education and employment remains heavily restricted, and many families report difficulty obtaining basic supplies due to disrupted trade routes. The government’s claim of stability therefore coexists with a growing sense of isolation among those most affected by the restrictions.

Why Is Alienation Rising?

Public alienation stems from a combination of economic hardship and social repression. International aid has largely stalled, and the Taliban’s limited fiscal capacity hampers infrastructure repair and health services. Inflation has surged, eroding household purchasing power and prompting protests in several towns. Moreover, the regime’s ideological stance on gender roles alienates half the population, limiting their participation in the workforce and public life. Baheer points out that „security without inclusion breeds discontent,” suggesting that the Taliban’s failure to broaden its governance model fuels the widening gap between the state and its citizens.

Looking ahead, the Taliban faces a delicate balancing act. Continued security gains may bolster its legitimacy, yet persistent economic strain and social exclusion could spark larger unrest. Analysts warn that without meaningful reforms—particularly in education, health, and women’s rights—the regime risks deepening the alienation it already confronts. International observers remain cautious, noting that any shift in policy will require both internal consensus and external engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security improvements have the Taliban achieved? The Taliban have reduced large‑scale bombings, increased police presence, and limited the operations of rival militias, leading to fewer daily incidents of violence.

Why are Afghans increasingly alienated from the Taliban government? Economic stagnation, restricted civil liberties, especially for women, and limited access to essential services have created widespread frustration and a feeling of exclusion.

Can the Taliban sustain its rule without addressing public grievances? Sustaining authority will be challenging; continued alienation may provoke protests or insurgent activity, undermining the stability the regime claims to have secured.