The people are mired in misery, living under oppression, suppression, discrimination, and injustice. Poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness are rampant, and millions of our compatriots have become refugees and displaced persons. Women, who constitute half of society, have been deprived of all human, civil, political, and social rights. Schools and universities have been closed to girls. Freedom of expression has vanished, and any criticism or opposition to the Taliban regime is harshly suppressed and punished.