The Taliban fighters strolled into the marbled halls of Afghanistan’s presidential palace unopposed, their dusty boots and sandals treading gingerly on the fine carpets.⁠
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With their beards and capes, and an AK-47 on the table, they took up a sombre pose at the desk of Ashraf Ghani, the departed president. The Taliban’s standard was hoisted on the roof.⁠
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The Islamist victors claim to have changed since they ran the country twenty years ago. Few believe them.⁠
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The militants have already stopped women from working in other provinces and ordered families to hand over their daughters to be “married” to fighters.⁠
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The form of regime would soon be clear, said the Taliban’s spokesman. To read how they might rule Afghanistan this time, and why the West faces a dilemma, click on the link in our bio.⁠
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Credit: AP Photo/Zabi Karimi