UPDATE: The Taliban is set to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power by showering Kabul with flowers from helicopters. The event is scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2023, and comes amid growing challenges facing the nation.
According to Habib Ghofran, spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry, defence ministry helicopters will perform “beautiful aerial displays” over the capital, showering it with colorful flowers. The spectacle is intended to symbolize celebration, but it occurs against a backdrop of significant economic hardship and humanitarian crises affecting millions.
Afghanistan is currently grappling with an influx of refugees, a crumbling economy, and severe cuts in foreign aid, particularly from the United States. Reports indicate that nearly 10 million people in Afghanistan face acute food insecurity, while one in three children suffers from stunting due to malnutrition.
The celebrations will also feature sports performances by Afghan athletes throughout the afternoon until early evening, promising a festive atmosphere. However, residents express mixed feelings about the Taliban’s governance. For example, Zafar Momand, a Kabul resident, stated, “Along with peace, we need employment and education opportunities.” He stressed that addressing these issues is crucial for making Afghanistan a livable country.
Past events have raised questions regarding the inclusion of women. UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay highlighted that Afghanistan is unique in banning girls and women from secondary and higher education. “Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision,” Azoulay stated, emphasizing the long-term ramifications of excluding women from public life.
This year’s festivities come as black and white Taliban flags are prominently displayed across Kabul, signifying the group’s continued presence and authority. Ahsan Ullah Khan, a resident from northern Sar-e-Pul province, called on the Afghan diaspora to return, suggesting that the country is peaceful and that people are content. Yet, many, like Momand, argue that peace alone is insufficient without economic stability and educational opportunities.
Last year’s anniversary event was held at Bagram Airfield, a significant location in the history of the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan. That event faced criticism for barring women, including female journalists from Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
As the celebrations approach, the international community watches closely, aware of the ongoing struggles faced by the Afghan population. The Taliban’s aerial display may be a visual spectacle, but many hope for substantive change that addresses the dire needs of Afghanistan’s citizens.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
