Taliban defend changes in Afghanistan in BBC interview | BBC News

Summary

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman for the Taliban government, discusses Afghanistan's progress since the Taliban took control three years ago. He highlights improvements in political relations, economic growth, and job creation. However, Fitrat acknowledges significant challenges, including high unemployment and the contentious issue of women's education. He assures that the leadership is working on a solution for girls' education while emphasizing the importance of adhering to Islamic principles. The interview also touches on international relations, the impact of sanctions, and the Taliban's stance on foreign groups operating within Afghanistan.

Takeaways

• 📢 The Taliban spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, highlights significant progress and success in various areas over the past three years, including improved international relations and economic development.
• 🏛️ Despite political isolation, Afghanistan has opened embassies abroad and established diplomatic relations with various countries.
• 🚧 Economic improvements include the initiation of mining and oil extraction projects, ongoing highway construction, and job creation efforts.
• 💼 The Taliban government aims to improve the economy and create jobs to address high unemployment, a legacy of decades of war.
• 👩‍🎓 The issue of girls' education is acknowledged as important, with Fitrat stating that a solution is being worked on and primary schools are currently open for girls.
• 👥 Women's participation in the workforce is noted, with women working in sectors like healthcare, police, and passports departments, and an increase in women-owned businesses.
• 🚫 The new restrictions on women's dress and behavior are presented as necessary for the country's cultural and religious context, with Fitrat emphasizing that they are in line with Islamic Sharia.
• 🌍 The Taliban government is committed to maintaining a positive relationship with the international community, but within the framework of Islamic law.
• 🏥 The government calls for increased humanitarian aid from the international community, particularly in light of recent natural disasters and challenges faced by farmers.
• 🛡️ Fitrat downplays the threat of ISIS in Afghanistan, stating that most of their forces have been eradicated and that any remaining incidents are insignificant.
• ⛔️ The Taliban maintains a firm stance against any foreign groups operating within Afghanistan, emphasizing that no such activities are permitted on their soil.

Q & A

What has the Taliban claimed as their achievements in the past three years?

The Taliban claims to have made significant progress and achieved success in various areas such as emerging from political isolation, improving relationships with regional neighbors and other countries, opening embassies abroad, initiating mining and oil extraction projects, and creating job opportunities.

How does the Taliban government view the current economic situation in Afghanistan?

The Taliban government sees improving the economy as a main goal, aiming for it to stand on its own and create jobs to better the economic situation of the people. They acknowledge the challenge of unemployment resulting from ongoing war and are making efforts to navigate economic challenges despite various sanctions and restrictions.

What is the Taliban's stance on women's education?

The Taliban acknowledges the importance of women's education and states that they are working on resolving the issue. They mention that primary schools are open for girls and that women are working in various sectors. They also assure that a solution will be found, indicating that they are awaiting a leadership decision on the matter.

What challenges does the Taliban government face in implementing new laws and restrictions?

The Taliban government faces challenges in implementing new laws due to the need for security arrangements, logistics, and the involvement of scholars and Muslim elders. They claim to be working on a gradual approach, starting with advising people, and assure that the implementation will be done in an easy and fair manner without violating people's privacy.

How does the Taliban respond to criticism from within Afghanistan regarding their interpretation of Sharia?

The Taliban argues that while every society has people influenced by other cultures, the majority in rural areas and those living by Islamic Sharia accept their values. They assert that the laws they implement are in accordance with Islamic Sharia and are not willing to divert from any Islamic law.

What is the Taliban's reaction to international reactions and concerns about their new laws?

The Taliban is not worried about actions that may work contrary to their desire for positive international relations, as they prioritize adherence to Islamic Sharia. They believe that the international community's information is often different from the realities of Afghan society and that they must understand the actual reality of their people.

How does the Taliban government justify their policies on women, despite international criticism and potential loss of aid?

The Taliban government maintains that their policies are in accordance with Islamic Sharia and are part of their values. They are not prepared to divert from Islamic laws at any cost and view some international organizations' use of women's issues as a pressure tool as a failed strategy.

What is the Taliban's stance on the presence of foreign groups like ISIS in Afghanistan?

The Taliban's stance is clear that no foreign group is allowed to carry out any activity inside Afghanistan. They assert that they won't allow any foreign groups to operate on their soil.

How does the Taliban government plan to address the issue of terrorism within Afghanistan?

The Taliban government claims that the majority of terrorist forces have been eradicated and that they are keeping a close eye on any remaining incidents. They view these incidents as insignificant and not a significant threat.

What is the Taliban's request from the international community regarding humanitarian aid?

The Taliban requests that the international community increase their humanitarian aid for Afghans, especially due to recent natural disasters. They hope that aid is not mixed with politics and that the international community fulfills their obligations without political interference.