Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
KABUL – Ahmed Shar’a, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the de facto ruler of parts of Syria, has publicly distanced himself from the Taliban’s rigid policies on women’s rights, pledging a contrasting approach to governance.
In an interview with the BBC, Jolani emphasized his support for women’s education and stated that Syria’s diverse societal structure demands a governance model distinct from Afghanistan’s. “I believe in women’s education,” Jolani said. “Syria is a diverse society with various ideas, unlike Afghanistan, which is more tribal. The Afghan model cannot be applied here.”
Jolani’s comments follow warm congratulations from the Taliban after HTS forces gained control of regions in Syria by overthrowing Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had praised Jolani’s military successes. Despite these diplomatic exchanges, Jolani’s stance on women’s rights starkly contrasts with the Taliban’s approach. Since regaining power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions on women and girls, barring them from education, employment, and access to public spaces. Additionally, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has banned women from speaking publicly, deeming their voices “immodest.”
The Taliban’s treatment of women has faced widespread criticism domestically and internationally. Many activists and citizens have called on global powers to pressure the regime into reversing these policies.
“Nowhere else in the world are women and girls deprived of education as they are in Afghanistan,” said a Kabul resident. “I don’t understand how the Taliban justify this under Islam.”
Social activist Musa Khawarin urged international intervention, stating, “The Taliban have trampled on every value of humanity. We expect the world to impose the necessary pressure to end these injustices.”
Jolani’s rejection of the Taliban’s model may signal a broader ideological divide among Islamist groups, particularly regarding governance and women’s rights. The leader’s remarks highlight the complexities of navigating diverse societies in conflict zones and the challenges of addressing deeply rooted cultural and religious issues.
