Taliban Expands Restrictions to Afghan Men, Sparking New Concerns

In a surprising turn of events, the Taliban has extended its stringent regulations to encompass Afghan men, marking a significant shift in their governance approach. This development comes three years after the group seized control of Afghanistan, a country that has endured over four decades of conflict.

The new rules, implemented in late August 2024, mandate that men grow fist-long beards, adhere to specific dress codes, and refrain from imitating non-Muslim appearances or behaviors. These restrictions have caught many off guard, particularly in urban areas where men previously enjoyed relative freedom.

The impact of these regulations is most noticeable in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital with a population of about 4.6 million. Men are now carrying prayer rugs, growing beards, and abandoning Western-style clothing. This shift is particularly significant in a country where the male voice has traditionally held more sway than the female one.

"Now, everyone is growing a beard because we don't want to be questioned, humiliated."

While these new restrictions on men are noteworthy, they pale in comparison to the severe limitations imposed on women since the Taliban's return to power. Women remain barred from higher education and face numerous constraints on their personal freedoms.

The enforcement of these rules falls to the religious morality officers, recognizable by their white robes. They have been actively monitoring compliance, even knocking on doors to check mosque attendance. Government employees fear job loss for failing to grow beards, and taxi drivers face scrutiny for potential gender segregation violations.

This crackdown reflects a possible power shift within the Taliban, with more conservative elements gaining influence. The Ministry of Vice and Virtue, responsible for the morality police, has become increasingly active in urban areas.

The new regulations have led to a decline in support for the Taliban among some previously sympathetic individuals. A former supporter named Amir expressed his disillusionment, stating that the use of force to enforce religious practices is unacceptable.

These developments are occurring in a country with a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, including over 14 ethnic groups, and where Pashto and Dari serve as official languages. Afghanistan's young population, with a median age of 18.4 years, faces these changes amidst ongoing economic challenges and a heavy reliance on foreign aid.

As the situation evolves, some Afghans are considering leaving the country, while others hope for a unified response from both men and women against these restrictions. The future remains uncertain, but the recent changes have undoubtedly altered the social landscape of Afghanistan, a nation still grappling with the aftermath of decades of conflict and striving for stability and progress.