After two decades of fighting, the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2020 and the Taliban seized control on Aug. 15, 2021. More than two years of extremist rule has resulted in national food insecurity and more than 2 million internally displaced people. The national situation is complicated by natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding.

Afghanistan has long been a conservative Muslim society. Prior to the Taliban takeover, converts to Christianity who were discovered by family or neighbors faced discrimination, heavy pressure, and occasionally death. A few high-profile converts were jailed. Under Taliban rule today, the pressure has increased. Converts may get attacked, imprisoned, or even killed. Believers are extremely cautious and rarely meet for worship outside of family groups.