The pulsating lights and opulent decor of Kabul's wedding halls usually offer Afghans a brief sanctuary from war and hardship. But the aftermath of a recent marriage celebration underscored the ever-encroaching grip of the Taliban on lives in the capital city, even as Taliban fighters continue to make other gains across the country. Threats by the Taliban, who were overthrown in late 2001, remain a daily problem for any Afghan connected to Western military forces or the foreign aid programs here. Afghanistan has been shaken by their recent military successes – particularly the short-lived seizure of Kunduz last month, the first provincial capital to fall to the resurgent group in 14...
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