Afghanistan's Secluded Supreme Leader and the Lingering Uncertainty: A Tale of Abandonment and Stuck Applicants

Two years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, their supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, rules the country from the shadows. Hibatullah maintains anonymity and is rarely seen in public, even among his own ranks. He rules with an iron fist, implementing strict restrictions on women's rights and education. Despite criticism from some within the Taliban, Hibatullah is seen as the final authority and is surrounded by a loyal guard of suicide bombers.