Taliban regime

Two different teams are representing Afghanistan: the Taliban-approved team, and a team of diaspora athletes – including women – competing under the old flag.

Unlike the mid-1990s, Afghanistan under the Taliban has not become a hub of jihadists. However, the threat level has risen.

Fifty-four of the 80 edicts issued by the Taliban explicitly target women and girls and dismantle their rights.

At first, a Taliban victory in Afghanistan was considered synonymous with Pakistan’s victory. But disappointed hopes on both sides now have the neighbors at loggerheads.

Akhundzada has played a bigger role of late in directing domestic policy, including banning girls' education and role in public life.

Last week, they banned female Afghan staffers working for the UN from reporting for work.

“The Trump administration committed, and the Biden administration gave, everything the Taliban needed [to return to power] without getting anything in return.”

Without naming Taliban chief Akhundzada, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani criticized his decision-making for “hurting the reputation" of the regime.

Instead of being supportive, Australia is taking away Afghans' only reason for happiness, an Afghan cricketer said.

Afghan society has always frowned upon women participating in sports, but unlike the Taliban, previous governments encouraged girls to play.

Women are vital for the delivery of lifesaving assistance in Afghanistan, and aid agencies are calling for a reversal of the ban on Afghan women working at NGOs.