Just who are the Taliban? That is the single most important question as the world watches the Islamic militant group return to power in Kabul.
As spokesmen offer assurances about its readiness to govern humanely, the Taliban’s record encourages deep concern. Foreign governments have limited leverage to moderate its darkest impulses but they must do their utmost to ensure that the Taliban keep their word.
Days after retaking Kabul, a Taliban spokesman said that the group would forgive domestic rivals, abjure retribution, respect women’s rights and seek good relations with former foreign enemies. “Nobody will be harmed in Afghanistan,” he promised, although he added that the protection of women’s rights would be “within the framework of Islam.”