Afghanistan’s New Interim Government: A Concerning Issue – Kikali Sumi, MA English 1st Semester

The present Afghanistan Government is practically an inept and atrocious result of American invasions. At present, a war-torn country with the destabilized rule, leading to the pressure of hostility and fear, under the extreme forces of the Taliban’s whose version of Islam does not recognize peace. Raising questions about the verge of a descending future of Afghanistan under the Taliban Rule.

Afghanistan’s New Interim Government – A Concerning Issue

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 again swiftly grabbed their stronghold in Afghanistan after capturing  Kabul on August 15th and has come up with a new interim government.

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 to support and cooperate with them and to not be afraid of anything. 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 and how their resistance was brutally crushed and the protesters were mercilessly killed.

With such a scenario many questions arises, the major one being if the Taliban will keep their promises as said by them or bring back their old

authoritative horrific rule? But looking back at their rule and their recent steps we see that their rule and the condition of the Afghans are going to be anything but good. 

The Taliban claim that the foundation of their law is based on the Quran.And 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 innocent human beings. 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 actions of past and present. We can see that the freshly restored Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan is fully patriarchal, even after their promises on freedom of women 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 has 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. Their cruelties are such that women are also asked to  walk in a certain way that no men should hear their footsteps. Women to attain education without any restraints is also a question here as  Taliban have been strictly against women attaining education. We have also witnessed that

women were being married forcibly to Taliban fighters. Women to be facing such kind of oppression in the ‘ modern society ‘ is such a  saddening thing and it voices out a humanitarian call which should be heard by the leaders and organizations of the world . Because as human beings and as women we wouldn’t want our basic rights and freedom to be taken away from us. It is them today, but tomorrow it could be us. 

With the Taliban taking such a phase 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.

The government experts warns 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 state that teenage boys were asked to join them and those who refused them 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 for terrorism to create its base and grow in Afghanistan and be the hotspot of terrorism.  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. Thus with such prevailing situations and 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, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
For feedback or comments please email:  dot@tetsocollege.org