The Secularization of Afghanistan by the Taliban

For the traditional people of Afghanistan, banning high-speed internet—or rather, banning the internet altogether—seems like a legitimate, even moral act. The hardline Emirate supporters draw their legitimacy from this segment of society. So far, everything appears to be working in favor of the Taliban and their allies.

The problem arises from the fact that not all Afghans are traditionalists or supporters of Taliban ideology. The more fiercely the Taliban fight against modernity and its benefits, the faster they discredit and delegitimize themselves both socially and politically.

In the long run, it will be these very self-proclaimed defenders of Sharia who break the back of religion. What neither the East nor the West could achieve in secularizing Afghanistan, the Taliban will, without doubt, complete! As Rumi put it:

Ironically, the syrup that was meant to heal only made the bile worse.
Almond oil dried instead of softening.
A laxative herb caused constipation,
And water turned to fire like oil on flames.

But human life is short. One generation will be deprived and crushed, and Afghanistan’s development will be delayed. For the current rulers, of course, this makes no difference.

—Nateqi Balkhabi