Afghan people celebrate 1st year of Taliban ruling in country

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - AUGUST 15: The streets of Kandahar city in Afghanistan were full of motorbikes and cars overcrowded with the supporters of Taliban ruling on its 1st anniversary on Monday, Aug. 15.Thousands gathered in the city center to celebrate Taliban ruling chanting slogans and carrying banners.The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan last year on Aug. 15 as the officials of the US-backed Kabul administration fled the country and foreign forces withdrew.The first Taliban administration in Kabul was overthrown with the US military intervention in 2001 on the grounds that it harbored the perpetrator of the Sept. 11 attacks – al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. One year in office, the Taliban are yet to gain international recognition.The interim Taliban government, which identifies itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is facing a test of safeguarding human rights besides providing health, education, economy and agriculture services.Since the Taliban took over the government, the ethnic, regional and sectarian divisions and political instability disappeared spontaneously. However, the visibility of the Pashtuns in the power corridors increased rapidly.From the very first day, the Taliban officials stated that they would not allow the territory of Afghanistan to pose a threat to any country and that they want to develop good diplomatic relations with all countries.They also declared a general amnesty for all employees of the previous administration and stated that employees can continue their duties.Almost all governments, especially Western countries, required the establishment of an inclusive government representing all segments of Afghanistan and respect for human rights in order to officially recognize the Taliban rule or to develop good relations.(Footage by Mohammed Noori /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)