The first major gathering of the Taliban in power in Afghanistan ended without any notable progress on issues such as women’s rights or political participation. More than 3,000 handpicked, exclusively male scholars, influential people and tribal representatives of the militant Islamist group came together in the capital Kabul.
Despite several attacks by the enemy terrorist militia IS, the three-day meeting continued under strict security precautions.
Saturday’s final statement was largely about formally recognizing the Taliban government that installed itself after the violent takeover in August 2021 and demonstrating allegiance to Supreme Leader Haibatullah Achundsada.
In addition, the international community was called on to recognize the Taliban government and release frozen accounts with state funds.
Achundsada proclaimed that he would enforce the law of God in Afghanistan, even if the world took action against the Taliban with a nuclear bomb. So far, no country has recognized the Taliban regime.
At the same time, representatives of the Taliban held talks with a US delegation in Qatar’s capital, Doha. US special envoy for Afghan women and girls, Rina Amiri, said she was “disappointed” and declined to attend.
