AFGHAN WOMEN STARE AT UNCERTAIN FUTURE UNDER TALIBAN

KABUL: Despite the Taliban’s claims about their new outlook on issues including women’s rights, experts believe that their latest reign of Afghanistan will be no different than what transpired in the 1990s when the terrorist group used terror to exercise power and control.

Previous generations remember the ultraconservative Islamic regime that saw regular stoning, amputations and public executions during Taliban rule before the US-led invasion that followed the 11 September 2001, terror attacks. Under the Taliban, which ruled in accordance with a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, women were largely confined to their homes. The US has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, ending one of its longest wars. The Taliban’s seizure of the war-torn country came after international forces withdrew from Afghanistan, with the United States officially beginning its departure back in May.

Writing for the Canadian think tank International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS), Salma Kouser-Asif said the new Taliban has tried to portray itself as being moderate, unlike the previous regime.