‘Taliban To Respect Women’s Right, But Introduces Sharia’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – BREAKING: ‘Taliban To Respect Women’s Right, But Introduces Sharia’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
KABUL (Worthy News-Telegram)— Afghanistan’s Islamist militant Taliban group pledged Monday that it would “respect the rights of women” if they respect its strict interpretation of Islam. “They can work and have education within Islamic law,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid during his group’s first press conference since taking control over Afghanistan.
However, pressed by a brave female reporter whether women can keep their current roles in media, he stressed that a future government would decide on that.
And in a clear warning to minority Christians and others concerned about their future, the spokesman stressed that the Taliban had not changed its Islamist views. “We still believe in our ideology, but there is an expertise, experience,” he said about what he called the “new Taliban forces.”
He also said media could “criticize” and “work freely” but within Islamic and Sharia law.
Mujahid tried to play down reports of executions of those who worked for the U.S.led coalition in Afghanistan, saying “everybody will get amnesty.”
Those involved in killings are “gangsters, not Taliban,” he stressed. He also urged the president and other politicians who fled the country to return home. “We need everybody. There will be no revenge. I am sorry for the soldiers who died while serving foreigners. That was war. Now we ask them forgiveness and expect them to forgive us as well.”
Asked about his group’s relationship with terror group al-Qaida linked to the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil, Mujahid said his nation would not host foreign fighters.
“Afghanistan’s soil is not going to be used against anybody,” Taliban spokesman Mujahid stressed when asked about the risk of the country housing al-Qaida fighters.
“We can assure the international community of that.” He also stressed that his group would
also have special forces to protect foreign embassies.
The spokesman also said that Afghanistan would ban the cultivation of opium. “It is a tragedy to see that so many youngsters are addicted to drugs. Afghanistan will no longer be the opium supplier” of the world, he said.
His comments came amid reported concern within the Taliban that their country will be bankrupt without foreign support. More than 50 percent live below the poverty line.
The press conference came as thousands were still trying to leave the nation with the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, and other countries struggling to pick up translators and other workers of the coalition as well as their families.
Embassy staff was also being pulled out of Kabul, where since Monday, at least seven people have died during chaotic scenes at the airport. Some were seen clinging to leaving U.S. military aircraft, with some crushed or falling to their death.
Footage also emerged of U.S. military aircraft varying hundreds of desperate refugees who had jumped on board.
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.