When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, many assumed the country’s media landscape would vanish overnight. But as media mogul Saad Mohseni reveals, the reality is far more complicated—and bizarre.
Mohseni, the founder of TOLO News, has spent years navigating the shifting power structures of Afghanistan. Now, under Taliban rule, he describes the relationship between media and the regime as a "strange dance"—one where survival depends on careful negotiation, self-censorship, and a constant balancing act.
### **The Rules of the Game**
Under the Taliban, independent journalism is a high-stakes gamble. While outright bans haven’t wiped out all media, the regime imposes strict red lines. Women journalists have been pushed out, political criticism is dangerous, and even entertainment must align with conservative values. Yet, surprisingly, some outlets still operate—just in a heavily restricted form.
Mohseni’s TOLO continues broadcasting, but the content is carefully curated. Dramas avoid romance, news avoids dissent, and music is Islamic-approved. It’s a shadow of what Afghan media once was, but it’s still breathing.
### **Why Does the Taliban Allow It?**
The answer lies in pragmatism. The Taliban may despise free media, but they also crave legitimacy. A completely silenced press would make them look like totalitarian extremists—something even their allies might find hard to defend. So, they tolerate a controlled media presence, one that gives the illusion of normalcy while keeping dissent in check.
For Mohseni and other media professionals, this means walking a tightrope. Push too hard, and you’re shut down. Stay too quiet, and you lose credibility. It’s a grim compromise, but for now, it’s the only way to keep the lights on.
### **What Does the Future Hold?**
The Taliban’s grip on media is unlikely to loosen. If anything, their restrictions may tighten as they cement power. But Mohseni’s story shows that even under repression, media finds a way—sometimes in the strangest forms.
For now, Afghan journalists continue their "strange dance," knowing that every step could be their last. It’s a heartbreaking reality, but also a testament to resilience. Because even in the darkest times, people will always seek the truth—even if they have to whisper it.
