The future of the Afghan people appears bleak, as they are forced into following strict Islamic laws. The images and videos of Afghans crying in despair, people rushing to airports with nowhere to go, and the video of people desperately trying to board a US plane, which resulted in the deaths of more than 5 people and two desperate Afghans who clanged themselves on the plane only to fall to their deaths is horrifying.
This makes us sad and emotional for the Afghan people, or should I say, the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, whose name, like the flag, has been changed by the Taliban. The name is the same as it was when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.
Interestingly, Afghanistan has changed its national flag more times than any other country in the world throughout the 20th century. Since the first flag in 1747, it has had 20 different flags.
The Taliban are committed to functioning under Sharia (Islamic) Law, and they want the rest of the world to do the same. The departure of Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Ashraf Ghani, who flew the country to America in its hour of need with a cash-laden helicopter.
What is Sharia Law?
Islam’s legal system is known as Sharia law. It is based on both the Quran, Islam’s fundamental source, and fatwas, or Islamic experts’ judgements. Saudi Arabia works on Sharia law but it’s flexible.
Sharia law is a code of conduct that all Muslims should follow, including prayers, fasting, and charitable contributions to the destitute. Its goal is to help Muslims comprehend how to live their lives in accordance with God’s will in every way.
In Sharia law, crimes are divided into two categories: “Hadd” offences, which are significant crimes with fixed penalties, and “Tazir” offences, which are less serious crimes with the judge’s discretion.
Men are frequently expected to be guardians and caregivers of the family, while women are expected to be submissive spouses and mothers who keep inside the home milieu. Under Taliban rule, women won’t be allowed to ride a bike, vote or go out without a male. They will be allowed education but as per Sharia Law. Women must wear hijabs and burqas. They have asked women to join the government as the Taliban doesn’t want women to be victims.
World Countries on Taliban?
China and Pakistan are the biggest supporters of the Taliban while the UK at UNSC Emergency has accused the Taliban of disrupting peace talks and taking control of the country via violence and breaking human rights. On the other hand, Russia has said it will decide the actions of the Taliban and then decide whether they are a threat or an ally.
India, Estonia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Norway, Tunisia, Vietnam and Saint Vincent and Grenadines along with France, USA have not accepted the change in name and flag of Afghanistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan supports Taliban Takeover and said it’s like breaking chains of slavery in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, US Vice President Joe Biden supports his choice wholeheartedly. He has learned the hard way after 20 years that there is never a good time to withdraw US forces.
If you ever feel ineffective, remember that it took four presidents, trillions of dollars, millions of deaths, and 20 years for the United States to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.
On the other hand, Germany, Canada, Italy, UK and France have openly expressed that they will welcome Afghan refugees and try to help them in every way possible. While Russia’s embassy in Afghanistan has yet to be relocated, Russian Ambassador Dmitriy Zhirnov is scheduled to meet with Taliban leaders in Kabul today.