Today, August 15, 2026, marks five years since the collapse of Afghanistan’s republican government and the Taliban’s return to power. The event, which followed the withdrawal of foreign forces, the flight of Ashraf Ghani, the fall of Kabul, and the collapse of the republic’s political and security structures, ushered Afghanistan into a new phase.
The peace negotiations in Doha and the agreement between the United States and the Taliban on the withdrawal of foreign forces ultimately led to a reduction in the international military presence and accelerated the Taliban’s advance. On August 15, 2021, with the Taliban entering Kabul and Ashraf Ghani leaving Afghanistan, the republican system effectively collapsed, and the world witnessed one of the fastest political and security transformations in modern Afghan history.
Five years after that transformation, the Taliban remain in control of Afghanistan. However, questions surrounding domestic legitimacy, political participation, and the people’s right to choose their government remain among the major challenges facing their rule. Extensive restrictions on women and girls—particularly in education, employment, and participation in public life—are also considered one of the main obstacles to normalizing the Taliban’s relations with the international community.
Alongside domestic and international pressure, reports also indicate disagreements among Taliban leaders. In its reports, the United Nations has highlighted efforts by Hibatullah Akhundzada to further consolidate his power and centralize decision-making in Kandahar. A March 2025 report also stated that the Taliban leader had increased his influence by holding important meetings in Kandahar and appointing individuals close to him to key positions.
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