The Taliban recently held celebrations in Kabul to mark five years since they took control of Afghanistan. There was patriotic music playing and many flags were displayed in the capital city to mark the occasion.

While the group held parades and speeches, the mood outside of those events is much more complicated. Many international news organizations are reporting on the state of the country five years later. Reports suggest that the economy is struggling and many people are still facing extreme poverty.

There is also growing worry among other countries about how to deal with the Taliban. While some governments are starting to open up lines of communication, there is still a lot of concern about the group's relationship with the rest of the world.

Life for many Afghan citizens remains very difficult. This is especially true for women and girls, who have faced strict rules that limit their access to education and work. Several women have shared their stories, saying they still hope for a future where they have rights and opportunities, even as the current government remains in power.

Five years after taking over, the Taliban remains in charge. They are acting as the government, but they are still facing a very tough situation with a weak economy and a lack of support from most of the global community.

Source: Al Jazeera