Taliban turning against initial pledge to give women freedoms

Nahla Abdelmonem

The ruling Taliban movement in Afghanistan recently took a set of decisions that were classified as restricting personal and political freedoms.

The decisions included – among others – restrictions on the movement of women.

The Afghan-ruling movement is apparently uncovering its true face, but very quickly after taking over power in the country.

This raises speculation about the way the international community can react in the coming period.

The international community has failed in recognizing the government of the movement, expressing concern about the Taliban’s record and its traditional hostility to freedoms and the rights of women.

Soon after taking over Afghan capital, Kabul, the Taliban held a series of conferences and press briefings to claim that it believes in women’s right to study and work.

The movement also said that it is ready to welcome political opposition and partner with other political forces in forming the new government in Afghanistan.

It called on international community to give it a chance to demonstrate the transformations that took place inside it.

The movement also demanded to join the United Nations.

Nonetheless, the Taliban’s comeback to its true ideology is raising questions.

The same move is also raising fears about the possibility that world governments might delay its recognition of the Taliban government.

The decisions of the Taliban included a ban on the transport of women for over 72 kilometers if they are not in the company of a male family member.

Taxi drivers were given instructions by the movement not to drive women for the abovementioned distance if they do not have a male family member in their company.

The movement also barred women who do not wear the Islamic headgear (hijab) from using public transport.

It also prevented music from playing on public transport as well.

On December 28, the Taliban banned the airing of foreign serial on local television channels.

These serials, it said, contradict Afghanistan’s Islamic culture and identity