Provincial by provincial, Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership under Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada has intensified its control, with Herat becoming a focal point of recent enforcement. The city, historically a cultural and economic hub, now faces stricter compliance with Taliban regulations on dress, religious practices, and public behavior, targeting both women and men in a campaign that reflects growing authoritarian measures.
Recent weeks have seen dozens of women detained for clothing deemed non-compliant, while men have been penalized for insufficient facial hair, as part of a broader clampdown. These measures are particularly pronounced in urban areas like Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, where the Taliban’s influence is weaker compared to its traditional strongholds in the south.
During a June visit, many Herat residents reported avoiding public spaces due to heightened arrest risks. A few public demonstrations emerged, but were swiftly suppressed, underscoring the regime’s intolerance for dissent.
“They are spreading fear like a virus,” said Hengameh, a resident in her 30s, reflecting the anxiety that has gripped the city’s diverse population.
Interviews with over two dozen locals, including religious leaders and educators, revealed a climate of intimidation. While women and girls nationwide face restrictions, Herat’s historically more liberal atmosphere has eroded, with stricter enforcement of dress codes and mobility limitations.
Critics warn that the Taliban’s harsh policies risk destabilizing Afghanistan’s already strained social fabric.
“Why are they intensifying religious pressure daily?” asked Ayatollah Gholam Abbas Waezi Zadeh, a prominent Shiite cleric. “When pressure reaches extremes, an explosion is inevitable.”
Herat’s Quiet Resistance Under Scrutiny
As Afghanistan’s third-largest city and a Shiite-majority area, Herat has long been a challenge for the Sunni Taliban. During the 1990s civil war, it was a key stronghold for Taliban rivals, and remained among the last cities to fall in August 2021.
Previously, Herat’s Jebrail neighborhood symbolized defiance, with cafes and markets showing women in jeans, colorful shawls, and makeup. This changed in early June when Taliban directives mandated full-face coverings, leading to at least 30 women arrested through June 7, per UN reports.
“Some generations accept orders, others don’t,” said Hussain, a Shiite cleric. “The new generation is not coping.”
On June 9, dozens protested, including 19-year-old Hamayoon, who defied parental warnings to join the demonstration. Protesters chanted “Work, education, freedom” before clash erupted, with Taliban firing warning shots and beating participants. Footage of the confrontation spread widely online.
Protesters were chased and beaten, leaving at least one teenager dead and dozens injured. Taliban officials denied wrongdoing, labeling demonstrators as agitators. By 10 a.m., the area was secured amid ongoing intimidation.
Taliban checkpoints proliferated in Jebrail, with warnings issued against further protests. Fear has since paralyzed economic activity, as residents avoid public spaces and businesses report declining attendance amid arrests and harassment.
Schoolgirls faced humiliation when morality police enforced veil mandates, filming compliant students in courtyards. Zahra, 15, described the trauma of being isolated from parents during such inspections.
Shakila, a workshop owner, noted three employees skipped work for weeks, while a school principal reported parents withholding daughters amid social ostracism for compliance.
Show of Force and Economic Stagnation
Taliban checkpoints now monitor key intersections, with markets deserted as fear curtails movement. The restrictive environment has effectively paralyzed commerce and education.
Widespread closures reflect the regime’s success in stifling dissent, leaving Herat’s once-vibrant neighborhoods in a state of uneasy quiet.
Targeting Shiite Communities
The Taliban’s crackdown extends beyond dress codes, focusing on Shiite communities nationwide. Authorities mandated Sunni certification for male students and demanded lists of Shiite pupils in Herat, while restrictions on Ashura commemorations drew objections before permitting limited celebrations.
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid attributed restrictions to IS threats, though critics argue this masks systematic marginalization of minorities. Shiites, comprising 10-15% of Afghanistan’s population, remain largely excluded from governance.
“They do not accept recommendations, they do not accept guidance,” said Ayatollah Waezi Zadeh. “Perhaps their foundation is to make every decision themselves, to be single-minded.”
