The guest: facing the Taliban, let’s not look away

When the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, some observers spoke of a possible revival of this fundamentalist group. The arrival of new figures within the ruling circle suggested, for some, a possibility of change. However, the blatant absence of any female representation among these decision-makers was already an alarming sign.

In the early days, some restraint seemed to be emphasized, probably in an attempt to reassure the international community and allay the concerns of local populations. But this facade of moderation did not take long to crumble. Very quickly, the Taliban rediscovered their nature: that of a truly patriarchal regime, authoritarian and hostile to diversity of opinions.

Oppressive measures, particularly against women and minorities, have once again become the norm, confirming that this “renewal” was only a temporary communication strategy. Women excluded from schools and public jobs, strict control of the media, censorship of individual freedoms; ban on music and entertainment: every decision taken has reaffirmed the Taliban’s desire to restore a system where obedience and fear prevail over human dignity.

Strict segregation between men and women was enforced in all aspects of public life. Obscurantism reigns; even to the point that the Taliban now demand that the windows of rooms occupied by women be blacked out. After being locked behind the gates of their burqas, they are now imprisoned in their homes. Extreme machismo denies women’s right to exist; to flourish. Such a policy is a denial of half the population that we cannot tolerate. Defending human rights obviously means protecting women’s rights.

The situation of women in Afghanistan is a humanitarian and human rights crisis that calls for massive and urgent international mobilization, while silence today is too pervasive.

This general mobilization in favor of Afghan women, against this extreme machismo, must go through determined diplomatic pressure, by not recognizing this totalitarian power; by targeting aid or conditioning it; by putting pressure on these extremists.

Negation of humanity

We must, at the same time, support opposition movements, open to Enlightenment, sensitive to Freedoms. Encouraging the democratic transition, inside and outside the country, is another avenue. This support must echo the free Afghan voices. Education, training and culture must be supported as stimulators of the life of societies. Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner, explains it very well: “The Taliban did not read the Koran, because in Islam, it is the right of every girl and boy to have access to education. »

The suffering of Afghan women must obsess us. How can a modern society turn a blind eye to such horror? The nations of this world, including the largest democracies, and public opinion can, must, bring these autocratic leaders to their knees. The values ​​advocated by the Taliban, particularly towards women, are the negation of humanity. Let’s not accept them!

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