KnowThis: What will the Taliban constitution look like?

Summary

In this video, host Priyank discusses the Taliban's plan to implement parts of Afghanistan's 1964 constitution while drafting a new one. The 1964 constitution was notable for promoting democracy and women's rights but faced challenges during its eight years. The Taliban's return raises concerns about their interpretation of Sharia law and the potential for discrimination against minorities, including women. The video examines key constitutional provisions and the implications for governance under the Taliban, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their future legal framework.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Taliban plans to implement parts of Afghanistan's 1964 constitution that align with Islamic law.
• 🛠️ A new constitution is being drafted by the Taliban, expected to be completed by 2022.
• 📅 Afghanistan has had several constitutions since becoming a sovereign nation in 1747.
• 👩‍⚖️ The 1964 constitution established a modern democracy with a bill of rights, including women's rights and universal suffrage.
• 🔄 The 1964 constitution faced challenges such as legislative deadlock, limiting its effectiveness.
• ✈️ The 2004 constitution, adopted post-NATO invasion, aimed to ensure equal rights for women but is viewed unfavorably by the Taliban.
• ⛪ The 1964 constitution allowed non-Muslims to practice their religion within limits, but the Taliban's interpretation may restrict this further.
• 👑 Power under the 1964 constitution would shift from a king to the Taliban's current leadership, with little known about succession plans.
• ⚖️ Equal rights and obligations before the law are stated in the 1964 constitution, yet women's representation in the Taliban government remains absent.
• 🗳️ While the Taliban has expressed openness to free elections, the specifics of governance under the new constitution remain unclear.

Q & A

What recent announcement did the Taliban make regarding governance?

The Taliban announced plans to implement provisions from Afghanistan's 1964 constitution that do not conflict with Islamic law while drafting a new constitution by 2022.

What was significant about the 1964 constitution of Afghanistan?

The 1964 constitution transformed Afghanistan into a modern democracy, including a bill of rights for all citizens and provisions for universal suffrage, allowing citizens to vote.

How long did the 1964 constitution remain in effect?

The 1964 constitution lasted for eight years before being overridden by a coup against King Zahir Shah.

What was the main criticism of the 2004 constitution adopted after NATO's invasion?

The Taliban criticized the 2004 constitution for being influenced by Western and elitist values, which they reject.

How does the 1964 constitution address religious freedom?

It grants non-Muslim citizens the freedom to perform their rituals within limits defined by public decency and peace, but the Taliban could impose stricter interpretations under sharia law.

What historical issues have minorities faced under Taliban rule?

During their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, religious minorities faced persecution, and many religious symbols were destroyed.

What does the 1964 constitution say about the powers of leadership?

It established that the powers of the king would be replaced by those of the acting prime minister or the Taliban's supreme leader, without accountability mechanisms.

What provisions does the 1964 constitution make for women's rights?

The constitution articulated equal rights for all before the law, but the Taliban's current governance has seen a lack of women in leadership positions and restrictions on education.

What structure does the 1964 constitution create for the legislature?

It establishes a bicameral legislature, consisting of a lower house (House of the People) elected by citizens and an upper house (House of Elders) with indirectly elected members.

What uncertainty remains about the Taliban's new constitution?

As the Taliban drafts a new constitution, it remains unclear how laws will be applied and what governance will look like, particularly regarding rights and freedoms.