Taliban marks fourth anniversary amid aid crisis and rights concerns

Afghanistan marked the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power on Friday, a moment of carefully choreographed celebrations that sits alongside growing international recognition of the regime’s limits and the deepening humanitarian crisis. While public displays included flower-dropped helicopters and coordinated gatherings, the day underscored a country navigating political isolation, aid cuts, and a population grappling with food insecurity, restricted rights for women, and rising displacement.

Officials described Kabul as calm and orderly, with flower petals drifting from military helicopters over the capital and public performances by athletes planned in the afternoon and evening. The anniversary comes as Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government, a development the authorities hope will encourage further diplomatic engagement. Across the country, similar ceremonies were held, though the celebrations occurred against a backdrop of international caution and domestic hardship. A formal gathering in Kabul’s Loya Jirga Hall featured ministers praising the regime’s achievements, while the leadership under Supreme Leader Hibatullah...