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One year ago this week, the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan. It promised to institute a moderate form of Islamic government that honored women's rights. That promise evaporated with its decision to prohibit young women from going to school. Today, my colleague Matthew Eakins on what led to that decision and what it reveals about which part of the Taliban is really running Afghanistan.

One year ago this week, when the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, they promised to institute a modern form of Islamic government that honored women’s rights.

That promise evaporated with a sudden decision to prohibit girls from going to high school, prompting questions about which part of the Taliban is really running the country.

Guest: Matthieu Aikins, a writer based in Afghanistan for The New York Times and the author of “The Naked Don’t Fear the Water: An Underground Journey with Afghan Refugees.”

Background reading:

After barring girls from high school — and harboring a leader of Al Qaeda — the Taliban risks jeopardizing the billions of dollars of global aid that keeps Afghans alive.

For more information on today’s episode, visit

nytimes.com/thedaily

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