By Shoshana Bryen, Newsweek—
There is a lot to say about Afghanistan and people are saying it. Some of it is sad, some of it is smart and some of it is totally ridiculous. Let’s go with ridiculous for a moment.
The UN, the European Union, the United States and humanitarian organizations—what we generally think of as the “international community”—are making high-handed, cavalier and frankly ludicrous demands for “acceptable” international behavior from the Taliban. The Taliban, on the other hand, believes in killing, maiming and destroying in the name of Islamist ideology. They don’t care what the “international community” says, thinks or demands. And yet…
As the Taliban marched toward Kabul, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said, “The Taliban must cease their military operations in cities. Unless all parties return to the negotiating table and reach a peaceful settlement, the already atrocious situation for so many Afghans will become much worse.”
Well, “worse” for the Afghan people—especially women and girls—is better for the Taliban’s determination that there be no rebellion against their rule. So don’t expect much.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken marched right down the same highway. “Ultimately it is in the Taliban’s self-interest…if they truly seek acceptance, international recognition; if they want support, if they want sanctions lifted—all of that will require them to uphold basic rights, fundamental rights. If they don’t and if they’re in a position of power and they don’t do that, then I think Afghanistan will become a pariah state.”
And if they don’t, and Afghanistan becomes a “pariah state” ruled by men with a version of religious law that encourages martyrdom, then what?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), after “commending” President Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan debacle, said, “The Taliban must know that the world is watching its actions. We are deeply concerned about reports regarding the Taliban’s brutal treatment of all Afghans, especially women and girls. The U.S., the international community and the Afghan government must do everything we can to protect women and girls from inhumane treatment by the Taliban. Any political settlement that the Afghans pursue to avert bloodshed must include having women at the table.”
Or else…? Continue Reading….
