Taleban "Respect Women's Rights, Allow Employment and Education"...Conciliatory Gesture

"No Revenge Against Government Forces and US Collaborators" Emphasized
Independent Media Activities Also Guaranteed...Watching International Community's Reaction

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Taliban, an armed group in Afghanistan, announced more conciliatory policies compared to before, including respecting women's rights and allowing women to work and receive education, during their first press conference after taking control of the capital, Kabul. This is interpreted as an effort to pay close attention to the international community's response while preparing to establish a government through consultations with existing Afghan political forces.

According to foreign media such as the AP News on the 17th (local time), the Taliban held their first press conference since retaking Afghanistan. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, stated, "The Taliban will respect women's rights within the framework of Islamic law and plan to allow women to work and receive education." He added, "Since a pardon has already been issued, there will be no revenge against those who cooperated with the previous government forces or foreign troops."

Spokesperson Mujahid said, "We want independent civilian media activities within Afghanistan," but added, "However, journalists must not go against the values of the state." It is also unusual that Mujahid revealed his face publicly while announcing conciliatory policies at an official event. This is interpreted as an intention to be recognized as a normal state by the international community through guaranteeing independent media activities both domestically and internationally.

The AP News reported that this is a significantly different appearance from the Taliban regime during their first rule in 1996. Previously, the Taliban strictly controlled society by enforcing Islamic Sharia law during their first rule from 1996 to 2001. Entertainment such as dance, music, and TV was banned, and punishments such as cutting off the hands of thieves or stoning women who committed adultery to death were allowed.

In particular, women faced restrictions on employment and various social activities and were deprived of educational opportunities. When going out, they had to wear a 'burqa,' a black cloth covering the entire face. Due to excessive control, even Saudi Arabia, the Sunni Islamic superpower, referred to the Taliban as a heretical group rather than an orthodox Sunni group.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.