Taliban take over Afghanistan: What we know
and what's next
By Associated Press, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.17.21
Word Count 901
Level 650L
An American military helicopter flies over Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 15, 2021. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan’s capital city 20
years after the United States military took control of Afghanistan. Photo: Rahmat Gul/AP
The Taliban militant group ran Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Afghanistan is a country in Central
Asia.
U.S. troops have been in that country for 20 years ever since they helped remove the Taliban from
power in 2001. The United States and other Western nations also helped set up a government.
In mid-August of this year, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. The last city they took over
was Kabul. It is the country's capital and largest city. This was just two weeks before the U.S. was
set to complete its troop withdrawal from a long and costly war.
Here's a look at what happened and what comes next:
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What Is Happening In Afghanistan?
The Taliban have again taken control of the country.
The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 removed the Taliban from power. However, they
never left.
When the Taliban was removed, a Western-backed government was put in place. As the Taliban
took over cities, the government of the last 20 years fell apart. Afghans are trying to flee the
country. They are scared for their future.
Why Are People Fleeing The Country?
They're worried that the country will fall apart. They are also worried the Taliban will try to get
revenge. Some people are worried about being targeted. This includes people who helped the
American troops. It also includes people who worked for the Afghan government.
The Taliban used to run the country with very strict laws. They have a very conservative
understanding of Islamic law. The Taliban ran Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The laws were very
limiting for girls and women. Under these rules, girls and women were not allowed to go to school.
They were also not allowed to work outside the home. They were forced to cover up when they
went outside. These are not rules that most Muslims around the world follow.
The Taliban banned music. They also punished people for breaking rules in public. This was to
make people scared to break the rules.
The Taliban says they are not as extreme as they were before. They also said they would not take
revenge. However, many Afghans do not believe those promises.
Why Are The Taliban Taking Over Now?
The U.S. has been trying to get out of Afghanistan for several years now.
American troops removed the Taliban in a matter of months when they invaded in 2001. They
invaded Afghanistan to get rid of al-Qaida. It is a terrorist organization. Al-Qaida orchestrated the
9/11 (September 11, 2001) attacks while being harbored by the Taliban.
As the U.S. focused on other countries in the region, the Taliban began to regroup. In recent years
they took over much of the Afghan countryside.
Last year, then-President Donald Trump announced a plan to pull out of Afghanistan. He signed a
deal with the Taliban. The deal limited U.S. military action against them. President Joe Biden then
announced an exit date. He said the last troops would leave by the end of August.
As the final deadline drew close, the Taliban began to attack cities. They took over city after city in
just days.
Why Did The Afghan Security Forces Collapse?
The short answer? Corruption.
The U.S. and its allies spent billions of dollars over 20 years to train and equip Afghan security
forces. However, there was a lot of corruption. Commanders took resources away from troops.
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They used it for themselves. This left Afghan forces without supplies or even food.
The Afghan forces lost confidence as the U.S. troops started leaving. They lost motivation to keep
fighting against the Taliban. Kabul and some nearby provinces fell without a fight.
What Happened To The President Of Afghanistan?
He left the country.
Afghanistan's president was Ashraf Ghani. He made a few public statements as the Taliban swept
across the country. However, as they reached the capital on August 15, he left. He said he wanted
to leave to avoid further bloodshed. It's not clear where he went.
What Will Happen Next In Afghanistan?
It's not clear.
The Taliban say they want to form an "inclusive, Islamic government." They are holding
negotiations with senior politicians. This includes leaders in the former government.
The Taliban have pledged to enforce Islamic law. However, they also say they want to help life
return to normal.
Many Afghans distrust the Taliban. They fear that their rule will be violent and oppressive. When
something is oppressive it is limiting what people can do or say. The rules are unjust or unfair.
What Does The Taliban Takeover Mean For Women?
Many fear it could mean that rights are taken away.
Afghan women have made major gains since the overthrow of the Taliban. Many are worried they
will lose their freedom. The Taliban have said they are no longer opposed to women attending
school. However, they have not set out a clear policy on women's rights. Afghanistan remains an
overwhelmingly conservative country. This is especially true outside major cities. Also, the status
of women has often varied, even under Taliban rule.
Will The Taliban Once Again Harbor Al-Qaida?
That's anyone's guess, but American military officials are worried.
The Taliban signed a peace deal with the U.S. last year. In it the Taliban said they would fight
terrorism. They said they would not let Afghanistan become a base for attacks. However, the U.S.
has very few ways of making sure they keep their word.
The Taliban paid a heavy price for their role in the September 11 attacks. They are likely trying to
avoid a repeat of last time. Especially as they are trying to unify the country under their rule.
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Write Prompt
Explain an event from the text. Why does this event happen?
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Quiz
1
2
3
4
Which selection explains when the Taliban lost power in Afghanistan?
(A)
The Taliban is a militant group that ran the country in the late 1990s. The Taliban have seized power in
Afghanistan.
(B)
The Taliban insurgents stormed across the country in mid-August. An insurgent is someone who fights
against their own government.
(C)
American troops removed the Taliban in a matter of months when they invaded in 2001. They invaded
Afghanistan to get rid of al-Qaida.
(D)
The Taliban signed a peace deal with the U.S. last year. In it the Taliban said they would fight terrorism.
Which question is answered in the introduction [paragraphs 1-4]?
(A)
Which city did the Taliban capture on August 15?
(B)
When did U.S. troops first arrive in Afghanistan?
(C)
How many U.S. troops were sent to Afghanistan?
(D)
Who is the leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan?
If readers are looking for information on why U.S. troops were leaving Afghanistan, which section should they read?
(A)
“What Is Happening In Afghanistan?”
(B)
“Why Are People Fleeing The Country?”
(C)
“Why Are The Taliban Taking Over Now?”
(D)
“Why Did The Afghan Security Forces Collapse?”
What information will the reader find in the section "What Happened To The President Of Afghanistan”?
(A)
an explanation of why Ashraf Ghani became president of Afghanistan
(B)
an explanation of why Ashraf Ghani decided to leave Afghanistan
(C)
a description of the person who was president before Ashraf Ghani
(D)
a description of where Ashraf Ghani went after he left Afghanistan
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