OnPolitics: The Taliban speak out
Yesterday, President Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan during a speech at the White House. "I stand squarely behind my decision," Biden said.
Biden emphasized he is honoring the commitment he made when he ran for president to bring the military involvement to an end.
Today, the Taliban held their first press conference since taking power by declaring "amnesty" for government officials and vowing to uphold women's rights under Islamic law.
It's Mabinty, with the news of the day from Washington and Afghanistan.
What the Taliban said
The Taliban's comments on women's rights were a dramatic departure from when the Taliban fundamentalist group last held power before the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.
Women virtually had no rights under Taliban's oppressive rule. Most women were forced to quit their jobs and stay at home and lost access to education and health care, enduring high rates of both illiteracy and maternal mortality.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said they were working to form a government and vowed that "nobody will be harmed."
Mujahid also said the Taliban's aim is to make sure "Afghanistan is no longer a battlefield of conflict."
But will the Taliban actually stand by their word?: Jake Sullivan, President Biden's national security adviser, said the U.S. has tools – including sanctions, international condemnation and isolation – to make sure the Taliban keeps that pledge.
“This is not about trust," Sullivan told reporters. "This is about verify.”
Not so fast: Interpreters, drivers and others who helped U.S. and NATO forces fear the Taliban will "slaughter" them, viewing them as traitors.
As recently as May, a bombing at a girls’ school in Kabul killed dozens, many of them students between 11 and 15. Though the Taliban denied responsibility, the Afghan government blamed them.
More news on Afghanistan:
- George W. Bush expresses sympathy for Afghan people, US troops, avoids comment on Biden policy
- 'I am begging you guys:' Florida veteran fights to bring his Afghan interpreter to the U.S.
- CNN slams Ted Cruz for mocking journalist Clarissa Ward over the head covering she wore in Kabul
- 'They already looking for me': An Afghan interpreter on the last 24 hours
A quick break from tragedy
Pete Buttigieg and husband Chasten are going to be dads.
"For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family," the U.S. secretary of transportation posted Tuesday on Twitter. "We’re overjoyed to share that we’ve become parents! The process isn’t done yet and we’re thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can’t wait to share more soon."
Chasten Buttigieg quote-tweeted the post with a quick Twitter aphorism, "Some news!" He recently told The Washington Post they had started the adoption process and had gotten close to bringing a child into their home.
The writer and LGBTQ advocate told Paste BN last year the pair had been exploring the possibility of starting a family. He noted it is a confusing process but one they're excited about.
Don't forget to drink water and take a walk today ❤️ — Mabinty