Ian Patrick, FISM News
After weeks of waiting, the Taliban has announced that they have filled positions in their new government and it looks eerily similar to what it was 20 years ago.
Afghanistan’s new supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, announced his appointees in his first address since the Taliban took the country over 3 weeks ago. The list, which only consists of men, are primarily members of the previous terrorist regime. The Taliban spokesperson, during a press conference, stated that the members of the government are temporary at the moment.
Of note is the newly appointed interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is on the FBI’s most wanted list with a possible $10 million dollar bounty for information leading to his arrest. According to the FBI, he is “a senior leader of the Haqqani network, and maintains close ties to the Taliban and al Qaeda.” Aside from his links to multiple terrorist organizations, he has also been accused of involvement in suicide attacks.
Another noteworthy figure in the new government is the new acting prime minister, Mullah Hasan Akhund. According to Reuters, “He was foreign minister and then deputy prime minister when the Taliban were last in power and, like many of the incoming Cabinet, is under U.N. sanctions for his role in that government.”
'We will judge the Taliban by its actions, not words'
Here's how the world reacted as the Taliban announced a new caretaker gov't in Afghanistan https://t.co/RejlxQLnte pic.twitter.com/5KUOnX5xql
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 8, 2021
Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada further said in a statement seen by Reuters that “all matters of governance and life in Afghanistan will be regulated by the laws of the Holy Sharia.” This sentiment, combined with the appointment of multiple men linked to the oppressive regime of old, justifies worldwide fears of a return to that brutal regime that existed two decades ago.
The Taliban tried to ease such fear in their first press conference after taking Afghanistan by making multiple promises, such as inclusivity of women under Islamic rules and for the people to feel safe under the new government. Even now, the Taliban says they will commit to all international laws and treaties. However, the world is not letting the Taliban go unwatched.
In a statement from the U.S. State Department obtained by The Hill, the United States once again asserted they “will judge the Taliban by its actions, not words.” This is a phrase echoed by similar U.S. departments and governing bodies as well as the worldwide community.
Jen Psaki told the press on Tuesday that the US had no plans to recognize the new government soon, despite the Taliban’s desire.