When even the most optimistic individuals observe the events unfolding under the Taliban’s rule, they cannot turn a blind eye to the atrocities and hardships occurring within their domain. The Taliban regime stands as one of the most regressive and authoritarian regimes on Earth. Its narrow-minded and discriminatory approach to human rights and the general freedoms of women and men has left observers bewildered. The regime’s interpretation of religious texts is both appalling and inhumane. The Taliban’s style of governance has made life unbearable for many Afghans, prompting an unprecedented rush to flee the country since their return. The despair for a livable future has turned life into a nightmare for numerous people living under Taliban rule. Yet, what is astonishing and concerning is that layers of society still view the Taliban favorably, endorsing their governance and desiring their continued rule. While some individuals support the Taliban based on ideological or ethnic motivations, it cannot be denied that a portion of the populace, mainly from lower-income strata, sympathize with the Taliban.
The evidence suggests that these individuals express their support for the Taliban willingly and without coercion. The question that arises is why among the more deprived and marginalized layers of society, support for the Taliban is relatively higher compared to other social strata.
We know that for the survival of governments, support from at least a portion of the populace is necessary alongside numerous other factors. What is interesting here is that concerning the Taliban, besides the support from its members, there are individuals who support the government of the Taliban seemingly despite being victims of the current situation. These individuals find themselves endorsing a value system pursued by the Taliban, which not only fails to improve their situation but exacerbates it. In other parts of the world, it’s occasionally observed that deprived classes and minority groups support unjust social systems, considering them based on justice and fairness. Initially, such occurrences might seem illogical, but by understanding the phenomenon described in social psychology, we realize it is logical, understandable, and justifiable.
In social psychology, there’s a concept known as “system justification”. Numerous discussions and debates have taken place in this regard. According to this concept, some individuals in society psychologically and socially tend to justify the existing situation as good, fair, and desirable, even if it doesn’t benefit them in any way. They say that during the American Civil War, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives defending the system of slavery, even though they didn’t benefit from it and were not slave owners themselves. They defended slavery because they were trapped in a cognitive error, believing slavery to be an inseparable part of the economic system of the Southern states.
Regarding why people become susceptible to system justification even when the ruling system or laws conflict with their interests, there are various opinions. Undoubtedly, some factors return to psychological aspects. The beliefs that justify the existing system have a soothing effect and reassure the individual that the current situation is to their advantage and the position they are in is desirable, even though it’s not. By doing so, they try to distance themselves from anxiety and guilt feelings. Psychologists believe that humans inherently tend to preserve the status quo, and this could also aid individuals’ inclination to justify the desirable system.
Regarding the Taliban, there’s another issue that must not be overlooked. The Taliban rules in the name of religion, Sharia, and God over the people. Since its formation, the issue of implementing Sharia law and divine decrees has been one of the group’s main slogans. Over the years, the supreme leader of this group has constantly emphasized the necessity of aligning with God’s Sharia and disregarded the demands of the global community. The proposition of aligning Sharia and divine laws in Afghan society is appealing and can drive some individuals toward this group. Due to the lack of established education and literacy in the country and the absence of awareness and critical thinking among various layers of society, those who speak of God and His religion can easily deceive and manipulate people. The masses lack sufficient awareness and discernment to distinguish between right and wrong claims. Especially those who struggle day and night to make ends meet have no opportunity to ponder over the validity of the Taliban’s claims. On the other hand, even opponents of the Taliban, if they reside outside the country, refrain from criticizing and reviewing the Taliban’s religious discourse, fearing being labeled as apostates. The broad platform handed to the Taliban allows them to speak more passionately about Islam and Sharia, positioning themselves as exclusive custodians of religion, even if their interpretations of religion are outdated and discredited enough to provoke objections from the most significant religious centers in the Islamic world. The rootedness of religious beliefs among the people provides fertile ground for charlatans to exploit the emotions and beliefs of the masses, deceive them, and shoulder them with their burdens.
Discontent with the Taliban regime is widespread within the country. The restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and youth have disenchanted society. The difficult economic conditions have further compounded the suffering of the people. However, it cannot be denied that a significant portion of the population views the Taliban regime favorably, defends the current situation, and idealizes it. The Taliban leaders have learned to exploit the people’s sentiments for the consolidation of their own rule, despite the havoc they have wreaked. Until literacy and awareness are spread among various segments of society, and the masses become fully acquainted with their rights, the unjust system created by the Taliban may not collapse or decay. The Taliban leaders have banked on the ignorance and unawareness of the people, considering it the driving force of their dictatorship. It’s not surprising that from the very beginning of their return, this group has taken measures to restrict knowledge and awareness and instead propagate a distorted awareness and their desired ideology. If the general population becomes enlightened, it would pave the way for breaking their mental and psychological barriers and they would find the means to break the chains that restrain their movement.