The article details the experiences of women soldiers in Afghanistan's armed forces following the Taliban's return to power. Despite initial progress and inclusion in various security roles, these women now face severe threats and persecution. The narrative follows a former Afghan National Army officer who has been in hiding due to threats from the Taliban. The text underscores the broken promises of amnesty by the Taliban and the dire situation for women who served in the military, calling for international intervention to evacuate them from Afghanistan.

The article tells the harrowing story of a lesbian couple's experience living under the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan. The couple, who remained anonymous for safety reasons, recounted the abrupt change in Kabul the day the Taliban took over and their subsequent fear for their lives due to their sexual orientation. Despite the challenges they faced even before the Taliban's return, including lack of legal protections for LGBTQ individuals and societal pressures, they managed to flee to Pakistan with the help of an international organization. The Taliban's spokesperson reaffirmed the administration's stance against same-sex relations. The couple now hopes to move to a European country or the US where they can marry legally and advocate for LGBTQ rights in Afghanistan.

The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan has caused significant fear and distress among Afghan civilians, particularly women. The article highlights the oppressive measures the Taliban imposes on women, curtailing their freedoms and rights. Prominent Afghan women, including activist Humaira Barakzai, athlete Mahshid Bariz, and former parliamentary candidate Tarnam Saeedi, express their fears and disappointment over the Taliban's return to power. They recount the progress made in women's rights over the past two decades and the potential loss of these achievements under Taliban rule. The article underscores the broader implications of the Taliban's control, including the threat to regional stability and the regression of Afghan society.

Afghan citizens express deep concerns over the escalating violence and human rights violations by the Taliban as they seize more cities. The situation has prompted international responses, including the reduction of diplomatic presence by the US and other countries. Citizens like Masouma Sadat and Mohammad Hassan highlight the deteriorating conditions and the need for immediate government intervention. Activist Sayed Jafar emphasizes the potential long-term threats posed by the Taliban and al-Qaeda to global security, urging for continued support for Afghan security forces.

The article reports on the Taliban's advances in Afghanistan and their intention to reimpose a strict interpretation of Sharia law, including brutal punishments for homosexuals and criminals. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid and jihadist judge Gul Rahim provided insights into their plans once American forces withdraw. The article highlights the fear among Afghans of a return to the oppressive regime that characterized the Taliban's previous rule, with concerns about human rights, particularly for women and minorities. Security experts and Amnesty International express fears of Afghanistan becoming a 'terror battleground' and the potential for a civil war. The US intelligence report suggests Kabul could fall to the Taliban within six months, and Afghan forces are described as exhausted and overwhelmed by the ongoing conflict.

Mohammed Shakib recounts his harrowing year-long experience in Taliban prisons after being captured while traveling for his university studies. Despite presenting documents, he was detained and subjected to brutal conditions and torture across seven different underground prisons connected by tunnels. Accused of dealing with traitors, he faced the constant fear of execution. Shakib's ordeal ended in May 2021 when he was unexpectedly released on the Kabul-Herat highway. His story sheds light on the harsh realities under Taliban control, particularly for Afghan youth seeking better lives.

As the US era in Afghanistan comes to an end, a generation of young Afghans, particularly in urban areas, faces uncertainty and challenges. Many are heavily reliant on digital devices and social media, despite frequent power outages. The situation reflects a broader global trend of digital dependency among youth.

A concrete barrier in Kabul has been turned into a mural where residents express their hopes and demands for peace. This comes as historic talks between the Afghan government and Taliban militants began in Doha on September 12.

Afghan women, like Ghazal Sharifi, face significant legal and societal challenges in a patriarchal society that restricts their rights, such as the inability to have their names on their children's identification documents. Despite some progress since the fall of the Taliban, women still struggle for equal rights. The 'Where Is My Name?' campaign has brought attention to these issues, and young Afghan parliamentarians, including Naheed Farid, are pushing for constitutional changes to ensure women's rights are recognized. However, societal norms and other pressing issues like corruption continue to hinder progress.