Abstract
Afghanistan's education improved dramatically in the two decades after the Taliban's collapse in 2001. The number of schools had quadrupled by 2017. Enrollment in primary and secondary schools reached 9.2 million, with 39% being girls. That's about 10 times the number of kids enrolled in 2001 (nearly none of them were girls). The Taliban's sudden return has created major fears about the future of education, especially for girls. To comprehend the future, one must first comprehend the past. National governments and international organisations sponsoring education in crisis zones see it as a means to peace and prosperity. Education does actually empower students. It provides fresh perspectives and job prospects for students once the Taliban return. But this takes time. And schools are seldom neutral. Long-term political commitment is essential for educational progress.