By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has significantly impacted both students and teachers like Zabi, who relied on online platforms for English language instruction. Zabi’s students, many preparing for the IELTS exam, were cut off mid-test, leaving them devastated. The cost of mobile data, the only alternative, is prohibitive for most, further exacerbating the situation. Zabi, like many, is now considering leaving the country, and the money changer, Anas, says he’s had to endure an extreme dip in business.
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Afghan women lose their ‘last hope’ as Taliban shuts down internet, a devastating blow that silences their voices and isolates them from the world. The immediate impact is clear: a critical channel for communication, information, and connection is severed, pushing these women further into the shadows. The Taliban, acting with a chillingly familiar strategy, has removed a vital tool for those seeking education, expressing themselves, and organizing against oppression. This move is undoubtedly about control, about ensuring that the stories of Afghan women remain unheard, their experiences unseen, and their resistance stifled.
The ramifications of this internet shutdown extend far beyond mere inconvenience. It’s a crushing of their aspirations, a denial of their basic human rights, and a deliberate act of subjugation. Imagine the feeling of being completely cut off, not just from the world, but from any potential for support, solidarity, or even basic information about their rights and safety. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the level of isolation and despair this creates.
The lack of official justification from the Taliban is not surprising. The reasons are blatant: to maintain their grip on power and to enforce their draconian interpretation of Islamic law. This move is a reflection of the Taliban’s broader strategy of silencing dissent and enforcing absolute control over every facet of life, especially for women. It’s a tragedy that the silence being forced upon them is a global shame.
This situation also highlights the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards Afghanistan. While many express outrage, there’s a palpable sense of disillusionment and a feeling of powerlessness. The fact that Afghanistan may not even be considered a country anymore is a testament to the failure of international efforts and the deeply entrenched challenges. The calls for Afghan men to return and oppose the Taliban, while understandable, are also complex, given the desperate circumstances and the potential for violence. The tragic reality is that many feel Afghanistan has been left behind, a forgotten casualty of global indifference.
Some express skepticism about the possibility of meaningful change, pointing to the history of the region and the lack of internal resistance. However, it’s crucial to remember that the Taliban’s actions are not reflective of the will of all Afghanis, particularly women, who are bearing the brunt of the repression. The hope is that at some point the people will say “enough,” though it’s hard to say when, how, or if that will ever happen.
The irony is that the very freedoms that the internet offered – a voice, a platform, a sense of connection – are being actively denied. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile these freedoms are, and how easily they can be stripped away by those in power. And it makes one wonder how in a technologically advanced world such as this, can a society’s people be so oppressed.
There are also comments that discuss the lack of support compared to other international conflicts. This is a troubling aspect, suggesting a double standard and a failure of empathy on a global scale. The comparison to the treatment of Palestinians underscores the role of political and religious factors in shaping international responses. When certain groups are not involved, the overall concern is lessened.
The situation in Afghanistan tragically illustrates the devastating consequences of religious extremism and the brutal suppression of women’s rights. It’s a stark reminder of the need for unwavering advocacy, support, and solidarity. The only “hope” now might be in the resilience of the Afghan people, the small acts of defiance that persist despite the internet shutdown, and the unwavering commitment of those who refuse to let their voices be silenced.