Afghan resistance struggles against Taliban rule post US withdrawal

Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has maintained control over the country, facing opposition primarily from the National Resistance Front (NRF), led by Ahmad Massoud. The NRF, composed of former Afghan security forces, has struggled to gain international support while fighting against the Taliban's increasingly extremist policies. Reports indicate that the Taliban has failed to curb al Qaeda activity, raising concerns about their commitment to counterterrorism. The Taliban's governance has been marked by severe human rights violations, particularly against women, as they enforce draconian restrictions on their rights. Despite the NRF's efforts to rally support, the U.S. State Department has stated that it does not endorse armed conflict in Afghanistan, complicating the resistance's position. The NRF has been engaged in combat against the Taliban, with significant casualties reported among Taliban fighters. In response to the Taliban's rule, the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan has emerged, uniting various Afghan groups, including women's organizations and media representatives, to advocate for democracy and human rights. This coalition aims to challenge the legitimacy of the Taliban and restore an inclusive government that reflects Afghanistan's diverse society. As the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan deteriorates under Taliban rule, the NRF continues its struggle for power, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and support to address the ongoing crisis and the plight of the Afghan people.