There is currently panic in Kabul. What seemed unthinkable a week ago has now become reality. The Taliban are back with a lightning campaign – and with them their radical horror ideology that girls are married at an early age and are not allowed to go to school. That women are not allowed to work and have a career. That under the Islamist Sharia jurisprudence again public death sentences are carried out in the football stadium in Kabul.
But so far the Taliban seem to strive to be reformed and more urbane. The country is completely under their control. But foreigners who try to flee via airlifts are not prevented from reaching Kabul airport. In the conquered capital, no collaborators are driven through the streets and publicly humiliated and punished. No search parties of the divine radicals conduct house searches to round up enemies of Islam.
Apart from a few shots, Kabul fell with practically no resistance. There was no bloody fighting and the Taliban instructed their warriors to keep a safe distance in the outskirts. As if the Taliban were trying not to scare the people of Kabul unnecessarily. The Taliban say they have been reformed. They prove to be militarily and possibly also politically more capable than assumed.
Purified warriors of God?
A peaceful transfer of power was agreed with the overthrown government. From Doha in Qatar, where envoys from both sides are currently negotiating the new Afghanistan, clear signals are coming from the new, refined rulers. The Islamists assure the world that all foreigners will be protected and that the airport will remain open. Women’s rights are also respected. They would have access to education and would be allowed to work. Punishments such as stoning or amputation would have to be decided by the courts. The media should be able to work freely.
Taliban spokesman Taliban spokesman Mohammed Naim told the Arab broadcaster “Al Jazeera” that it will soon be clear how the country will be governed in the future: “The type of rule and form of government will soon be clear.”
Naim assured that nationals and diplomatic missions would be protected. The Taliban are also ready to enter into a dialogue with all Afghan decision-makers and will guarantee them the necessary protection. Take every step responsibly and be interested in being at peace with everyone involved. As for the concerns of the international community, the Taliban wanted to resolve them through dialogue.
Taliban speak of the liberation of Afghanistan
Contact with other countries is sought because one does not want to live in isolation. “We ask all countries and organizations to sit down with us to solve all problems.” The Taliban are now reaping the fruits of their efforts and sacrifices over the past 20 years, said Naim. “We achieved what we wanted, namely the freedom of our country and the independence of our people.”
Nobody wants to be harmed and nobody is allowed to attack other targets from Afghanistan. The Taliban would not interfere in the affairs of other sides and would not allow interference in their affairs. Nor do they believe that the foreign armed forces, after their failure, wanted to repeat their experiences in Afghanistan again. (with SDA)