The men who run Afghanistan

Since the Taliban’s return to power, the economy has foundered, malnutrition is soaring, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost and most women are now banned from working

200km 125 miles
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
AFGHANISTAN
IRAN
PAKISTAN
INDIA
Kabul
Kandahar

Nearly 23 million people
(55% of the population), including 14 million children, face extreme levels of hunger – UN

Mullah Hibatullah Akhudzada, 63: Emir and reclusive spiritual leader has banned girls from attending school beyond sixth grade and women from working for international aid groups.

Known as Leader of the Faithful, he holds final authority over group’s religious and political affairs.

Governs mainly from Kandahar, Taliban’s birthplace

Abdul Ghani Baradar, 55: Deputy prime minister and Taliban’s most public face.

Played key role in Doha Agreement, represents more moderate current within Taliban

Aug 15, 2021, Kabul: Afghan government collapses. President Ashraf Ghani flees country – within hours, Taliban fighters seize presidential palace (above)

Yaqoob Mujahid, 33: Defence minister (left), son of late Mullah Mohammed Omar – movement’s founder.
Reportedly supports better relations with West

Hassan Akhund, 67: Prime minister, reportedly ill.
Espouses denial of civil rights and liberties for ethnic and religious minorities

Abdul Hakim Haqqani, 56: Justice minister declares that only T aliban-approved lawyers can work in courts – decree which Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe says violates human rights.

Headed Taliban team which sealed 2020 Doha Agreement with Trump administration.

Known for his misogyny and intolerance of ethnic minorities

Sirajuddin Haqqani, 48: Interior minister lambasted Akhundzada in February, reflecting deep divisions within T aliban.

Leader of Haqqani Network maintains close ties with Al Qaeda

Sources: Afghan Biographies, Bloomberg, Counter Extremism Project, Radio Free Europe Pictures: Getty Images, CNN, Twitter © GRAPHIC NEWS