Pakistan, Aug. 15 -- The Taliban celebrated the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan on Friday with public rallies and flag displays. In Kabul, Taliban flags flew across the city, and helicopters were scheduled to drop flowers to mark the day. Celebrations began Thursday night near the old US embassy, where fighters waved flags and set off fireworks. The military parade at Bagram Airbase, a highlight last year, was canceled this time without any official reason.

Despite ongoing global isolation, the Taliban scored a diplomatic win when Russia officially recognized their government earlier this July. This makes Russia the first country to grant formal recognition since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Although countries...