Taliban leader rejects Western laws in Afghanistan, vows to establish their own laws

The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, declared during a sermon on Eid al-Fitr in Kandahar that there is no need for Western laws in Afghanistan as long as sharia laws are in place. Akhundzada emphasized the importance of Islamic laws and stated that the Taliban will create their own laws. The Taliban’s interpretation of sharia has resulted in restrictions for Afghan women and girls, including denial of education, limited job opportunities, and restrictions on appearing in public spaces. Despite these laws isolating the Taliban in the international community, they have managed to establish diplomatic ties with countries like China and the United Arab Emirates.

Akhundzada has taken a stronger stance on policy since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 during the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. He criticized the West in his remarks, stating that non-believers were unified against Muslims and pointing to the hostility of the U.S. and other countries toward Islam, citing the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as an example. Akhundzada claimed that democracy had ended in Afghanistan and that sharia was now in effect, while accusing supporters of democracy of trying to separate the people from the Taliban government.

Despite criticisms within the government regarding the concentration of power around Akhundzada, the Taliban have no credible opposition inside or outside the country. Some members of the Taliban are pushing for greater engagement on the world stage and the elimination of harsher policies in order to attract more support from outsiders. In recent months, there has been increased engagement between the Taliban and the U.S. under President Donald Trump, mainly involving prisoner exchanges and releases.

The Taliban’s strict interpretation of sharia has led to the imposition of laws that restrict the rights of Afghan women and girls. These laws have garnered international criticism and condemnation, but the Taliban have still managed to establish diplomatic ties with certain countries. Akhundzada’s remarks during the Eid al-Fitr sermon highlighted the Taliban’s rejection of Western laws in favor of implementing their own laws based on sharia.

Akhundzada’s speech also included criticism of the West, accusing non-believers of being unified against Muslims and portraying the U.S. and other countries as hostile toward Islam. He declared that democracy in Afghanistan was over and that sharia was now in effect, while alleging that proponents of democracy were trying to undermine the Taliban government. Despite internal criticisms, the Taliban currently face no credible opposition, with some members of the group advocating for a more moderate approach to governance to attract external support.

In conclusion, Akhundzada’s recent remarks reflect the Taliban’s rejection of Western laws in favor of implementing their own interpretation of sharia in Afghanistan. Despite facing international criticism for their treatment of women and girls, the Taliban have managed to establish diplomatic ties with certain countries. With no credible opposition within or outside the country, the Taliban leadership, under Akhundzada, continues to consolidate power and uphold their strict interpretation of Islamic law.