After two decades of peace, Afghans have been once again back in the control of the Taliban. With the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban have swiftly took control of Afghanistan and after capturing Kabul on August 15, a new interim government was installed.
The Taliban, who call themselves the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, have promised a new moderate and improvised administration, to bring peace and security to the country and have requested people not be afraid of anything but support and cooperate with them. But how are the people supposed to believe them and to be at ease, when what we saw after their rule is anything but detrimental to peace, including brutally crushing of resistance and merciless killing of protesters.
With such a scenario many questions arise, the major one being if the Taliban would keep their promises or bring back the old autocratic rule? Looking back at their rule and recent steps, one can assume that the conditions of the Afghans are going to be anything, but good.
The Taliban claim that the foundation of their law is based on the Quran. In an interview, the Afghanistan leader Mullah Nooruddin Turabi said that, “No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran. But how can their act of merciless and thoughtless killing be justified when Quran 5 : 32 says, “Whoever kills an innocent human being , it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” Infact, no religion preaches violence and killing of innocents. While using their false acclaimed religion as their shield, the Taliban’s are fulfilling their selfish motives. Through this act, the hypocrisy of the Taliban can be seen.
And amidst all this oppression and struggle, it is the women who have suffered the utmost amount of injustice. Though the Taliban has committed to work for the rights of women, their promises are ‘too good to be true’ judging by their past and present actions. We can see that the freshly restored Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan is fully patriarchal, despite the promises women’s freedom, including work and education.
Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said that, “the group will respect the rights of women…” as per Afghan norms and Islamic values. However, no changes have yet been seen so far in their new rule from their past rule. It was reported that women are restricted to go out without a mahram (A male guardian). They are still following the Sharia Law where women are not allowed to interact with boys over 12 or men who are not family. Music is illegal under Sharia Law. Women are also reportedly asked to walk in a certain way that no men should hear their footsteps. Attainment of women’s education without any restraints is also a big question as the Taliban have been strict against this. We have also witnessed women being married forcibly to Taliban fighters.
In a ‘modern society,’ women facing such oppression are such a saddening thing and humanitarian call voicing out against such action should be heard by the leaders and organizations of the world. As human beings and as women, we wouldn’t want our basic rights and freedom to be taken away. It is them today, but tomorrow it could be us.
With the Taliban using old methods despite their “promises,” world peace is at threat. Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is the interior minister of Afghanistan, is reportedly on the FBI’s most-wanted list for terrorism. Infact, the cabinet includes several designated terrorists. Thus, the outcome of a country ruled by such terrorists is quite vivid.
Government experts warned that terrorism will increase under Afghanistan’s newly appointed Taliban government and have said that it is inevitable. The young innocent minds of the Afghans can be manipulated and forced into terrorism. Reports stated that teenage boys were being asked to join them and those refusing were beaten and accused of being anti- Islam.
Though Taliban forces have pledged not to allow Afghanistan to become a base for terrorists who could threaten the West; however, there are high chances of terrorists creating their base in the country and Afghanistan becoming a terrorism hotspot.
Leaving them on their own may lead to the rise of something dangerous and it may further hinder the peace of the other countries. Countries like the USA, India and some small countries can possibly be their target in the future. Thus, powerful countries and organizations should work to tackle the situation in Afghanistan. Though looking at the magnitude of the situation, it will not be an easy task but the world leaders will have to work wisely and collectively. With such prevailing situations, if actions are not taken, we can’t assure that catastrophic events like 9/11 will not occur again.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org
