Five years after the Taliban reclaimed power, Kabul presents a paradox of resilience and restriction. Markets bustle with vendors selling traditional crafts, fresh produce, and increasingly, smuggled electronics. Yet, women’s participation in public life remains limited; many are confined to home‑based work or informal economies. Education for girls continues in secret schools, while NGOs operate under tight scrutiny.
Infrastructure projects have stalled, leading to frequent power outages and water shortages. Security checkpoints dot the city’s main arteries, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty colors daily interactions. Despite these challenges, a new generation of artists, journalists, and entrepreneurs is quietly shaping a cultural undercurrent that seeks to preserve the city’s historic spirit while navigating the constraints imposed by the regime.