2 yrs of Taliban in Afghanistan – ways 'Taliban 2.0' is different, and not so different after all

Having enjoyed power from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban — since regaining power in 2021 — seem to have reverted back to its familiar Pashtun-centred rule, with a harsh interpretation of Sharia (Muslim personal law). On 15 August, 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan as American troops withdrew from the country following a 20-year war. New Delhi: As Indians celebrate 76 years of Independence Tuesday, Afghans continue to mourn the death of their republic for the second year in a row. Authoritarian policies have returned, according to reports, including restrictions on women, ethnic minorities, media, rights groups and more….