Women on bleak future and reprisals under Taliban

Women in Afghanistan have spoken of their fear of the new Taliban regime and their frustration over being left behind following last month's frantic evacuation efforts. Officially there is supposed to be an amnesty for those who worked with foreign powers but there have been reports of the Taliban going door to door looking to settle old scores.

One young woman who used to work with the US told British broadcaster Sky News she feels betrayed by American authorities and none of her applications for asylum or messages have been responded to. Another woman who worked with foreign NGOs on projects aimed at empowering women has been promised sanctuary by Britain but was unable to leave following the Kabul airport suicide bombing. She keeps moving among friends' houses in fear for her life.

After the withdrawal of Western troops and the Taliban’s sudden return to power last month, the US and its allies have used money, potential recognition and warnings of isolation to pressure them away from repeating their repressive rule of the 1990s. At that time, the Taliban imposed a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women and minorities.

They have said they will respect women's rights but received sharp criticism last week after they announced a Cabinet made up entirely of men from their movement, including several on international terror lists. Taliban leaders previously had promised broader representation.