Taliban Consolidates Full Control Over Herat, Once a Cosmopolitan Hub

Herat, a historic city in western Afghanistan, has long been noted for its cosmopolitan character. Under the Taliban, the city previously maintained comparatively relaxed social practices. Recent

Herat, a historic city in western Afghanistan, has long been noted for its cosmopolitan character. Under the Taliban, the city previously maintained comparatively relaxed social practices. Recent

reports indicate the Afghan leader has now imposed total authority over Herat. This move marks a shift from the earlier, more permissive environment. The Taliban’s campaign aims to align the city’s

governance with its strict ideological standards. Residents face increasing restrictions as the regime tightens its grip. Human‑rights observers caution that the changes could erode cultural

freedoms. The international community is monitoring how the new control will affect Herat’s social fabric.