A Taliban commander used to run suicide-bombing squads in Kabul. Today he is busy mediating domestic disputes and fielding complaints about stolen cars as the Afghan capital's chief of police.
KABUL— Mawlawi Zubair Mutmaeen used to run Taliban suicide-bombing squads in Kabul. On a recent day, in his new role as police chief for one of the Afghan capital’s districts, he was busy mediating a marital dispute.
“Previously I was serving Islam, and now I’m also serving Islam. There is no difference,” Mr. Mutmaeen, 39, said. Even the Taliban’s main strength—providing security—is being tested by a ferocious campaign of attacks by the regional affiliate of the Islamic State militant group, including two bombings this month at mosques used by the minority Shiite Muslims, which killed dozens.
Now the war is over, the Taliban have to find a way to add these men to the government payroll at a time when Afghan government coffers are empty, most foreign aid is suspended and some $9 billion in Afghan central-bank assets are frozen in the U.S. The Taliban have been trying to project an image of safety and normalcy since retaking power. But as WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen reports from Kabul, harsh punishments, violence, and a crackdown on basic freedoms are becoming the reality. Photo: Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images
The Haqqani Network hit Kabul relentlessly, pulling off many of the most lethal attacks in the capital. Among the assaults Mr. Mutmaeen said he ordered were on the presidential palace, a CIA office and the Kabul Serena hotel, which was struck multiple times over the years and where much of the foreign media is currently staying, under Taliban protection.
Those disapproving of the Taliban hesitate to raise their voices, including anyone critical of the group’s police. The Taliban have cracked down on small-scale demonstrations that have taken place in Kabul and other cities, firing in the air and hitting women who demanded equal rights. Two journalists working for Afghan newspaper Etilaatroz, covering a women’s protest in Kabul last month, were taken away by the Taliban and severely beaten in a police station.
A senior police officer in the 12th district, Qari Fasi, said the Taliban weren’t seeking retribution against members of the fallen regime and its security forces. “We forgive everyone,” he said. “Our duty is to protect everyone now.”
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Taliban gives families of suicide bombers who attacked U.S. soldiers $112, promises landAt a gathering with the families, the Taliban's acting interior minister commended the sacrifices made by 'martyrs and fedayeen' in the suicide bombings.
Lire la suite »
Russia, hosting Taliban at international conference, calls for Afghan aidRussia called on Wednesday for international aid to support Kabul, as it hosted the Taliban at a major international conference on Afghanistan forthe first time since the group took power in August.
Lire la suite »
Russia FM: Moscow recognises Taliban efforts to stabilise AfghanistanForeign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the statement as Russia hosts an international meeting with the Taliban and 10 countries on the Afghanistan crisis and its impact on security in Central Asia.
Lire la suite »
How to Carve a Photo Into a PumpkinIt's time to make your Halloween Pinterest board a reality!
Lire la suite »
Study: Automatic ‘Opt-Ins’ May Boost Women’s LeadershipWhen everyone is automatically opted in for a competition, women are as likely as men to vie for the prize, but when competitors must choose to opt in, it becomes a man's game, a new study suggests.
Lire la suite »