INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Afghans on Monday welcomed the improved security situation across the country, on the anniversary of the Islamic Emirate&s (IEA) take over,
but raised concerns about the deteriorating economy, rising poverty levels, the high unemployment rate and newly imposed social
restrictions.One civil society activist in Herat province, Shakila Ahmadi said the IEA take over &had negative effects on people&s lives;
schools were closed and girls were barred from going to school; there was human capital flight and university lecturers left the
country.There should be better moves so that women can return to work
Women should be allowed to work not only in the health sector, but also in other areas,& said Rafia Khatibi, an employee at Herat&s main
hospital.Syed Dawood, a Herat resident, urged IEA to form an inclusive government and allow women to work and get an education.Despite
restrictions on women, some businesswomen have however restarted operations in Herat.Khalil-ur-Rahman Saqib, a resident of Badghis province,
said: &Unfortunately, to be honest they have not performed well in the areas of development and education.In Balkh, people have different
opinions about the performance of the IEA over the past year.The number of drug addicts was high in the city then, but now it has been
reduced,& said Sayedullah, a resident of Balkh province.Ebadullah, another resident of Balkh, complained of rising unemployment and urged
IEA to create job opportunities.Abdul Raouf Tawana, a religious cleric in Balkh, called on the IEA to make their government inclusive and
try to gain public support and make the government sustainable.Officials in Balkh said the security situation has improved after the IEA&s
takeover.The post One year after IEA takeover, Afghans hail security but worry about crippled economy first appeared on Ariana News.
