Brief Summary
This YouTube video features a discussion on the state of women's rights and the overall situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Piers Morgan interviews Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, challenging him on promises made regarding women's rights to education and work. The conversation covers the burqa mandate, the economic crisis, and international sanctions. Later, Morgan speaks with Fanzia Koofi, a former Afghan politician, who refutes the Taliban's claims and highlights the oppressive reality for women in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban's promises regarding women's rights to education and work are questioned.
- The burqa mandate and its enforcement are discussed.
- The economic crisis in Afghanistan and the impact of international sanctions are examined.
- The reality of women's lives under Taliban rule is highlighted.
Introduction
Piers Morgan introduces the topic of the Taliban's control over Afghanistan, highlighting the regression of women's rights, including the ban on full education for girls and restrictions on women's ability to earn a living. He notes that women are now forced to wear the burqa, despite the Taliban's claims that this is for their dignity and safety. Morgan then introduces Taliban official spokesman Suhail Shaheen, who is interviewed about these issues.
Broken Promises and Distorted Reports
Piers Morgan confronts Suhail Shaheen with his previous assurances that women in Afghanistan would be in a better position under Taliban rule, reminding him of his words from August 2021. Morgan points out the current reality of oppression and questions why the Taliban lied about improving the lives of women. Shaheen responds by claiming that Morgan's judgment is based on distorted media reports, stating that many female students and teachers are still working and receiving education.
Education for Girls
Morgan acknowledges that some primary school girls are still attending school but emphasises that teenage girls are being denied full-time education. He challenges Shaheen on why secondary school-age girls are not allowed to return to school. Shaheen claims that the education of girls in secondary schools is under consideration and that a mechanism is being worked out to provide a conducive environment, citing the importance of Islamic society. Morgan presses him on the delay, questioning why girls are not simply allowed to return to school immediately, given their supposed right to education.
The Compulsory Burqa
Morgan shifts the discussion to the compulsory burqa for women in Afghanistan, highlighting the instruction that women must only show their eyes and the punishment for male guardians who fail to enforce this. He describes this as an oppressive measure that reverses the freedoms women experienced over the past two decades. Morgan questions how this aligns with the Taliban's promise that women had nothing to worry about.
Hijab and Women's Freedom
Shaheen argues that Afghan women have been observing hijab for centuries voluntarily and that the recent statement does not impose a specific type of hijab. He claims women are free to choose any type of hijab, including a veil or a piece of cloth, not just the burqa. Morgan seeks clarification, asking if women are free not to wear the full burqa without facing bad treatment from the Taliban. Shaheen confirms that this is the official position, as long as they observe some form of hijab. Morgan counters that the decree from the vice and virtue ministry mandates covering everything but the eyes, which he sees as a draconian measure.
Taliban's Actions vs. Promises
Morgan reiterates that the Taliban promised to be more inclusive and that women had nothing to fear. He points to the restrictions on education for older girls, the compulsory coverings, and the control exercised by male relatives and employers. Morgan challenges Shaheen to provide evidence that the Taliban has changed or become more inclusive, arguing that their actions are taking women back to the oppressive conditions of 25 years ago.
Economic Crisis and International Sanctions
Morgan addresses the economic crisis in Afghanistan, where millions live in poverty. He asks how the Taliban is trying to improve the lives of its people, given the worsening conditions since the US evacuation. Shaheen attributes the poverty and lack of job opportunities to international sanctions imposed after the Taliban took Kabul, arguing that these sanctions are punishing the Afghan people, not the government.
Responsibility and Future Expectations
Morgan questions whether the Taliban accepts any responsibility for the economic collapse. Shaheen states that they are using internal revenue to fund development projects and pay government employee salaries. Morgan concludes by stating that Afghanistan is in a terrible state, with women feeling increasingly oppressed. He expresses that if Shaheen's words are to be believed, secondary age kids should be allowed to return to school, women should be able to go out without full coverings, and those who express their rights should not be punished.
Shaheen's Final Remarks
Shaheen reiterates that women and boys have the right to education, provided they observe hijab. When questioned about his own daughters' education, he confirms they attend school and observe hijab.
Fanzia Koofi's Perspective
Piers Morgan interviews Fanzia Koofi, a former Afghan politician, who dismisses Shaheen's statements as propaganda. Koofi recalls negotiating with the Taliban, where they stated women could hold high positions, including prime minister. She notes that the Taliban contradicted these promises by stopping girls from attending school beyond grade 12 and preventing women from working, which left many families without their primary breadwinners. Koofi criticises the decree mandating the burqa, stating that Afghan women have always been Muslim and their traditional hijab is respected. She highlights the irony of men being tasked with enforcing these rules, calling it misogynistic.
