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If the Taliban return, what will happen to Afghan haircuts?
Mark Sappenfield
Welcome to the Daily. Today鈥檚 five handpicked stories touch on the independent spirit of a true American political swing district, the tactics of the far-right in Italy, seeking emotional resilience amid changing environments, how one woman is spreading racial reconciliation in her community, and an effort to share one of Afghanistan鈥檚 greatest treasures. 聽 聽
But first, a look at who will actually have to 鈥渨in鈥� the Afghan war.
If reports are right, some sort of peace deal between the United States and the Taliban might be drawing near. Ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan is a priority for the Trump administration.
It is a time for considering how much the Taliban has changed since 2001. The Monitor鈥檚 Scott Peterson has already shared reasons to be wary of the Taliban鈥檚 promises.
But it is also important to consider how much Afghanistan has changed. The list is long and substantial. Women鈥檚 rights have dramatically improved, particularly in cities. Legitimate national security forces exist. The president and parliament are democratically elected.
Cultural changes have taken hold, too. 鈥淵oung Afghans have embraced new clothing styles and haircuts with a vengeance,鈥� in The Washington Post. 鈥淪everal media channels broadcast 24 hours a day, producing everything from news to the Afghan versions of American Idol, mixed martial arts and Sesame Street.鈥�
鈥淲e won鈥檛 let the Taliban force their ideas on us again,鈥� said Zekeria, a high school graduate, to Radio Free Europe. Like Zekeria, . Ultimately, the question of how much Afghanistan has changed will be theirs to answer.
