In Afghanistan, with the end of the war and all US and international troops all but gone, it’s obvious that a number of complexities are evident to emerge. 

The Taliban have been making rapid gains, however, their latest approach has been more about rebranding themselves to the locals.  

When the Taliban took over the district of Imam Sahib in North Afghanistan, according to New York Times report, the ruling commander had quite an unlikely instruction for his new constituents: Keep working, open your shops and keep the city clean.

The district soon saw its water being turned back on, the power grid being repaired, garbage trucks collecting trash and even a government vehicle’s flat tire being mended. And more so surprising? All of these were under the direction of the Taliban.

Since the American military withdrawal started in May, many districts like Imam Sahib have been captured by the Islamist military organisation.

A New York Times report argues, that it’s all part of the Taliban’s new rebranding strategy, where while they ruthlessly grab lands across Afghanistan, they are building an image of being capable governers.

The signals throw light on the bigger picture, which clearly shows the ulterior motive of the Taliban to push for total control given the Afghan forces have lost vital American air support.  

Reportedly, the thinly stretched with supply lines strained, the Afghan security forces have come under immense pressure in the final stages of the military withdrawal.

Afghan troops are facing blistering attacks from the Taliban, including onslaughts on positions in the militants’ southern strongholds and a lightning offensive in the north.

But for now, government forces continue to maintain control over the country’s cities, with most territorial losses in the sparsely populated rural areas.

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However, with the forces departing, the Taliban believe they have won their battle against the Afghan government and hence it’s obvious that peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives have made little headway.

So for now, the extremist group is dedicated to improving their image amongst their new constituents. Reports from NYT suggests, the group’s governance record during their time in power before 2001 was poor. Services lagged, public displays of brutality were common, and fear was rampant.