In Afghanistan, universities that had previously provided students with at least a partially–standard education in half–sized spaces have now lost much of their knowledge and enlightenment, being replaced by darkness and ignorance. In the past, when one entered the university from the bustling city, they would experience a pleasant peace and the true joy of life. However, this peace has now become a source of fear due to the Taliban‘s and their allies‘ hostile attitude, which has taken away the sense of safety.
The feeling of invulnerability is not only about being less likely to be killed in a suicide attack or having thieves avoid you for fear of having their hands cut off. It is a deeper sense of security, closely linked to the human psyche. When an educated person sees that the chair of the university chancellor is occupied by a mullah who has not gone to school or received a higher education, and whose place is a religious school rather than a university, can they help but feel inferior? The tranquility of the academic environment is no longer pleasant, but instead becomes irritating and painful. Entering universities under the control of the Taliban will cause one‘s soul to become depressed and suffer.
When universities were still operating and partial democracy had not yet been fully dismantled, supporters of Islamic State– Khorasan (ISS–K) and the Taliban did not feel as though they owned these institutions, even though they sometimes raised their flags in Afghan universities. However, now it is the Taliban and other Islamic extremists who are taking advantage of these centers. These are the same people who, in previous governments, initiated protests in universities, calling for the closure of the institutions during the month of Ramadan, so that they would not be tempted to break their fast by seeing female students.
Now, not only during the month of Ramadan, but in all months, no female presence can be observed in universities, and the Taliban and their sympathizers are able to move around freely. Universities, like other areas in Afghanistan, have been taken over and the Taliban‘s influence has infiltrated the universities, to the point that they psychologically torment every new visitor with their powerful influence.
Disappointed Students
Under the Taliban regime, universities have become stagnant and devoid of spirit; there is little opportunity to learn modern and contemporary knowledge, and even less enthusiasm for doing so. Even if there are still some avenues for learning modern knowledge, there is no motivation or passion to pursue it.
Most students attend university with the aim of obtaining an academic certificate, which is of little use in the face of the Taliban regime. Despite the bleak and disheartening outlook, the students still strive to obtain their diplomas, as the general public still holds out hope for the future. With few job prospects in the mullahs‘ regime, many students who complete their studies are forced to leave for Iran and other countries in search of employment to provide for themselves and their families.
It is not expected that a regime whose survival is dependent on foreign aid and is under the control of the “international community“, despite its pretense of independence and freedom, can provide employment to its citizens.
Brain Drain
Following the Taliban‘s takeover of Afghanistan, many of the educated and knowledgeable individuals who had the chance to leave the country quickly packed their belongings and escaped. Those who are unable to leave are not content with their situation, having no way to depart from Afghanistan, and are thus forced to live a miserable life under the Taliban‘s rule.
A substantial amount of university professors had the chance to depart Afghanistan when the former government fell on August 15, 2021. In the months that followed, more than 400 of these professors were reported to be from Kabul University, with dozens from Herat and Balkh universities.
In a country that is already lacking in capable staff and specialists, even with the presence of Western forces, the influx of highly educated and specialized personnel is disastrous. Therefore, what is the solution? The Taliban require religious leaders, Shaikh al–hadith, amulet writers, muftis, and murderers, rather than doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists, and researchers.
It is certain that the return of the Taliban has resulted in the complete destruction of universities. This is a failure of the global and local efforts to domesticate Afghan men over the past two decades, which can be attributed to inexperience, ignorance, self–conceit, misunderstanding, cynicism, greed, and corruption. Had the democratization project been conducted with honesty and awareness for the past twenty years, the current situation would not exist and the Taliban would not be in their current position.
We inhabit an occupied nation. The Taliban, the regressive colonizers, have subjugated the unfortunate inhabitants of Afghanistan, exploiting their weakened state. Some of the citizens are aware of this servitude and are attempting to eradicate it, while the rest still need to be roused and encouraged to oppose the burgeoning tide of primitiveness and brutality. In order to abolish Taliban enslavement, we must confront this system of servitude with a methodical and organized approach. Only with this approach can we bring an end to the ever–increasing calamity of the Taliban.
