Knowing that “War is deceit,” and knowing the Taliban’s track record, suspicion of such an alleged U-turn in policy is only proper. But how about the poison gas attacks, the disfiguring acid attacks, and years of threats? Any second thoughts there?
No, no apology will be forthcoming, of course. In fact, if the Taliban does not deny the education minister’s claim, this gesture may yet be something to revoke in response to a grievance or alleged provocation to be named later. “Afghan Taliban ‘end’ opposition to educating girls,” from BBC News, January 14:
The Taliban are ready to drop their ban on schooling girls in Afghanistan, the country’s education minister has said.
Farooq Wardak told the UK’s Times Educational Supplement a “cultural change” meant the Taliban were “no more opposing girls’ education”.
Except on days ending with the letter “y?”
The Taliban – who are fighting the Kabul government – have made no public comment on the issue.
Afghan women were not allowed to work or get an education under the Taliban regime overthrown in 2001.
Making deals
Mr Wardak made his comments during the Education World Forum in London.
He told the TES: “What I am hearing at the very upper policy level of the Taliban is that they are no more opposing education and also girls’ education.
“I hope, Inshallah (God willing), soon there will be a peaceful negotiation, a meaningful negotiation with our own opposition and that will not compromise at all the basic human rights and basic principles which have been guiding us to provide quality and balanced education to our people,” the minister added….