The Taliban has reduced the anarchy that prevailed in many parts of the country, collected arms from various militias, and lowered the prospects for the disintegration of the country. But fundamental problems remain acute. Relations among ethnic groups have deteriorated beyond their already low point after Taliban forces massacred Shi a Hazaras in Mazar-e Sharif in 1998. Narcotics trafficking continues unabated. The Taliban also have failed to attract educated Afghans to their cause and thus have made little progress in tackling their country s devastating economic problems.
Afghan women bear much of the suffering.
Before the Taliban took power, Afghan women played an important part in Afghanistan s public life. In cities under its control, the Taliban has placed strict curbs on the role of women outside their home. Except in rare circumstances, women are not allowed to work or to interact with males who are not relatives. In violation of Islamic precepts, the Taliban has limited school education for girls. Amnesty International reports that fear of punishment has prevented many Afghan women and girls from seeking education and that the Taliban has ordered the closure of home schools that educate Afghan girls.