COMMENT | Before August 2021, most people knew that the Taliban might take over Afghanistan. But no one knew when. “Six months” was the estimate of most analysts. Even this was too short.

The Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani had fighting men, weapons, and equipment, as well as a hold on the cities. Surely this could guard off the Taliban for some time.

One of the cities’ youngest mayor, Zarifa Ghafari, was also hopeful. She trusted the power of social media and the young people of Afghanistan. “I think they will continue fighting for progress and our rights. I think there is a future for this country,” she said.

Three weeks later, the 27-year-old politician was paralysed by the lightning-quick Taliban takeover of the capital, Kabul.

“I’m sitting here waiting for them to come… And they will come for people like me and kill me,” she said, hiding in her apartment.

She had reasons to worry...