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KABUL: The Taliban today (Sunday) insisted that a “genuine Islamic system” in Afghanistan was the only way to end the war and ensure rights — including for women.
Despite the rise in violence, Taliban co-founder and deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said that the group was committed to the peace talks. “Our very participation in the negotiations indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through mutual understanding,” he added.
Mullah Baradar further said the only way to end the conflict in Afghanistan was to establish an Islamic system after the departure of all foreign forces. “A genuine Islamic system is the best means for a solution to all issues of the Afghans,” he added.
He also acknowledged the fears in Afghanistan and abroad about the kind of system that would emerge — and its impact on women — saying that fell within the ambit of the intra-Afghan negotiations.
Baradar assured that the rights of all Afghans including women would be accommodated in that system, according to “the glorious religion of Islam” and Afghan traditions.
Baradar called on Afghan youths to not leave the country, stressing that the Taliban would ensure that minorities, humanitarian organisations and diplomats had nothing to fear.
However, critics have expressed fears that the Taliban’s interpretation of rights will clash with the changes that have happened in Afghan society since 2001. Talks between the militants and the Afghan government have been deadlocked for months and violence has surged across the country.
In May, a US intelligence report claimed the gains made over the past two decades on women’s rights would be rolled back if the Taliban returned to power.
The recent losses faced by government troops have forced President Ashraf Ghani to change his defence and interior ministers. On Saturday, he announced the changes and called on the Taliban to make a choice between peace and enmity with the government.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden will meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah on June 25 (Friday) to discuss US troop withdrawal.
According to a statement issued by the White House today (Sunday), Biden will seek to reassure Ghani and Abdullah of US support for the Afghan people including diplomatic, economic and humanitarian assistance.
Biden will also repeat his pledge to ensure that the country never becomes a safe haven for terrorist groups. “The visit by President Ghani and Dr Abdullah will highlight the enduring partnership between the United States and Afghanistan as the military drawdown continues,” the White House added.
Since Biden’s decision in April to pull out all US troops before Sept. 11, at least 30 districts have been seized by the Taliban. The Taliban was not immediately available for comment and there was no immediate reaction from Ghani’s office.
