What's happening?

The TalibanA violent fundamentalist Islamic movement that enforces sharia law and denies education to women., a military and political group which controls AfghanistanA mountainous Asian country, slightly larger than France, whose neighbours include Pakistan, Iran and China., have banned music in the country. Guitars, drums and even speakers have been set on fire.

The Taliban controlled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. They banned women from going to school or having jobs.

In 2021, the Taliban took over again. Once again, girls cannot go to school and women cannot go to work. They have banned music and beauty salons.

Many other countries say it is impossible to work with the Taliban. The group does not keep its word. And, more importantly, many say it would be wrong to work with a violent group.

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But others say it is time to accept that the Taliban now control Afghanistan. The Taliban have created an order, which means it is likely to stay in power.

Some say the only way to make life better for people in Afghanistan is to work with the Taliban - otherwise nothing will change.

Yes! Of course other countries cannot work with a violent group that treats women very badly. And the Taliban does not stick to its word. It cannot be trusted.

No! The Taliban is here to stay. There is no choice but to work with it. Avoiding all contact with the people who run Afghanistan will not help the people who live there.