The US asserts that it won't recognize the Taliban until it ensures women's involvement in society.

The US State Department asserts that recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government hinges on their commitment to women's and girls' full participation in society. Vedant Patel emphasized the US's stance on gender equality, stating that the Taliban's exclusionary policies jeopardize their legitimacy. Taliban mandates have effectively barred females from various public spaces and education, drawing international condemnation. Despite earlier pledges of moderation, the Taliban's resurgence of restrictive measures echoes their oppressive regime of the 1990s. Criticism extends beyond female education, as rights groups highlight detrimental effects on boys' schooling due to regressive policies and punitive measures. The Taliban's failure to address these concerns undermines their claims of governance legitimacy, impeding efforts toward inclusivity and progress in Afghan society.