The massive U.S.-led airlift is winding down, with many Western nations having completed their own evacuation efforts ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Afghanistan is heavily dependent on international aid, which covered around 75% of the Western-backed government’s budget. The Taliban have encouraged Afghans to stay in the country, pledging amnesty even to those who fought against them. When the Taliban last governed Afghanistan, from 1996 until the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, they imposed a harsh interpretation of Islamic law. This time, the Taliban say women will be allowed to attend school and work outside the home.

Source: Egypt Independent August 28, 2021 10:07 UTC