Introduction
Initially, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) promoted economic, social, and political stability in Afghanistan through its Resolute Support Mission, which advised, trained, and provided resources for Afghan national security. In late 2020, after the departure of NATO troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban, a group of militant Islamists and Jihadists, conflicted with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 2). In this context, comprehending the impact of Afghanistan’s instability from international relations and foreign policy perspectives, the research will examine the country’s internal political situation, Taliban rule, human rights violations, economic problems, and humanitarian crises.
Country’s Internal Political Situation
Anti-government protests characterized the political situation in Afghanistan after the departure of NATO. Hoffman and Jamal note that during the instability, the youths were uncomfortable and dissatisfied with government operations and policies (168-169). As a result, the youths moved to the streets, lighting fire, torching properties, as well as fighting against the government police and other citizens. The lack of jobs and poor economic policies implemented by the government also promoted political unrest among the younger generations (Hoffman and Jamal 69). The situation compromised the country’s law, order, and governance for months.
Taliban Rule
The NATO exit from Afghanistan also paved the way for Taliban leadership. The members of the group, who were also anti-government protestors, caused havoc, mayhem, and violence in the country. For instance, in 2020 alone, nearly 4,000 citizens of Afghanistan were casualties of the unlawful rule of Taliban groups (UNAMA and OHCHR 42). The militia groups killed nearly 1,500 people, leaving 2,500 others severely injured during their invasion of private and government properties. The Taliban also launched improvised explosive device (IED)s attacks, killing thousands of Afghanistan (UNAMA and OHCHR 44). Taliban rule increased economic and social problems in the country, exposing vulnerable populations to mental and physical health issues.
Human Right Violation
The instability in Afghanistan after the NATO exit also led to the violation of the human rights of citizens. Li et al. indicate that the members of the Taliban community violated the natural, civilian, and constitutional rights of women and children, who were vulnerable to physical and mental abuse (1688). The militia group subjected women and children to physical and sexually abusive practices that affected them emotionally and physically (Li et al. 1688). As a result, the events lead to forceful marriages, early pregnancy, and STIs because of sexually abusive acts such as rape (UNAMA and OHCHR 14). Thus, the violence compromised justice, law, and order that could guarantee access to human rights in the country.
Economic Problems
The civil war in Afghanistan also increased the vulnerability of citizens to economic issues. Naturally, businesses fail to thrive in politically unstable economies. Investors also exit nations such as Afghanistan that have frequent wars, protests, and unrest among the citizens. In addition, protestors killed and injured government and private employees in the country, causing tension among the working population (UNAMA and OHCHR 53-55). The continuous conflict in the country reduced its economic output, as well as employment opportunities, because of unstable business environments.
Humanitarian Crisis
Finally, political instability and violence in Afghanistan led to humanitarian disasters in the republic. The conflict and increased number of casualties overwhelmed the humanitarian resources and aid that the country received from international donors (UNAMA and OHCHR 12). Moreover, the protestors and Taliban threatened and harmed healthcare professionals, social workers, security personnel, humanitarian organizations as well as their employees (UNAMA and OHCHR 20). Consequently, the event affected access to essential humanitarian services and products such as education, food, security, as well as healthcare amenities for the affected people (UNAMA and OHCHR 12). The humanitarian crisis led to more social, economic, and health issues in the country.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the literature review shows that instability and Taliban rule in Afghanistan had negative political, social, and economic effects. The event increased overdependency on humanitarian aid and affected access to essential services. Moreover, the country’s instability resulted in human rights violations, unemployment, non-government protests, poor economic output, and unfavorable business environments.
Works Cited
Hoffman, Michael, and Amaney Jamal. “The Youth and the Arab Spring: Cohort Differences and Similarities.” Middle East Law and Governance, vol. 4, no. 1, 2012, pp. 168-188. Web.
Li, Mengmeng, et al. “Coming of Age in the Shadow of the Taliban: Adolescents’ and Parents’ Views toward Interpersonal Violence and Harmful Traditional Practices in Afghanistan.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 108, no. 12, 2018, pp. 1688-1694. Web.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). “Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Annual Report 2020.” 2020. Web.