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The Taliban's takeover of Kabul has led to chaotic scenes at the airport as Afghans attempt to flee, raising fears of a new refugee crisis. The Taliban, having evolved since 2001, have made assurances to respect women's rights, but reports suggest otherwise. US President Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw troops, citing the inevitability of the situation. The crisis could impact the finances of neighboring countries, with Pakistan's dollar bonds falling. The Taliban's potential governance style is expected to be a stricter Sharia law without democratic elections, and their financial resources come from various sources, including taxing transit goods and fuel.

The Taliban's momentum in Afghanistan is raising fears of a government collapse as U.S. military withdrawal nears completion. Nearly 300,000 people have fled their homes, with the Taliban seizing border crossings and targeting major cities. President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw troops has been criticized for its rapid execution. The Afghan government, led by President Ashraf Ghani, is focusing on protecting Kabul and major cities, appointing experienced military leaders to key positions. Despite the Taliban's military gains, the Afghan government vows to fight, and international legitimacy remains a leverage point for the international community against a complete Taliban takeover. The situation has been exacerbated by a severe drought, rising food prices, and a surge in COVID-19 cases.