Call Taliban Changed, Observers: There Was A Goodbye At The Palace, Negotiations With The United States And China

Illustration of Taliban soldiers. (Between? Reuters/Jalil Ahmad)

JAKARTA - The Taliban militia that has succeeded in taking power in Afghanistan is different from the Taliban who ruled in the 1990s to 2001.

Showing a different attitude in its first press conference, the Taliban promised a variety of things, from the protection of women to open government to pardons for Afghans working with the Allies.

The former commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan, General Sir Nick Carter, even said that the Taliban currently in power is different and more likely to be judged based on his experience.

"The ideology and identity of the Taliban has actually changed from the Wahhabi Jihadi ideology, indeed the Wahhabi Jihadi ideology is still being used. But they mostly turn to Shafi'i Sunnis. During their victory, they entered the Palace and then there was a reading of verses holy and then also salawat. And the salawat is the Syafii salawat," terrorism observer Al Chaidar told VOI, Wednesday, August 18.

He further explained that during the past 20 years, there have been many changes from the Taliban, both in structure, character, and ideology. For example, breaking ties with Al Qaeda and no longer using terrorist methods.

Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. (Twitter/@Sarkariberozgar)

"They are aware that they are building a country, building civilization, not by brutal means. The characters are still the old ones, but there are changes. Abdul Ghani Baradar, for example, has an open mind, wants to negotiate with the United States (under Donald Trump). peace," he said.

Another interesting change is the fact that the Taliban are willing to cooperate with China, complying with China's request to stop helping the Uighurs. Al Chaidar said he did not know the exact process, but said he might apply Teuku Umar's tactics and strategies in establishing cooperation with China.

What is meant is Teuku Umar's tactic in tricking the Dutch by pretending to cooperate, and then fighting back after obtaining enough weapons and money.

"They (Taliban) are currently in a situation where there is no de jure confession. De jure recognition is very important," he continued.

He said the Taliban in power today is expected to use the knowledge of governance that is commonly circulated in the world, there are certain ministries. It's not just the finance ministry. Not only the sports ministry. There is also a ministry for women's roles, women's protection, and child protection. Then the ministry of the environment.

"Then also other ministries, the political ministry, the military ministry, the various ministries still exist. Conservative ministries still exist, but new ministries, which are adaptations to new ideologies or state customs. new ones, will be accommodated in the new Afghan government," he explained.

Illustration of a Taliban soldier. (Antara Foto/Reuters/Stringer/hp/cfo)

He added that the important thing that needs to be highlighted in Afghanistan is how they cooperate with China. Because, only Beijing provided support and support after the United States withdrew its support for Afghanistan and did not want to continue negotiations anymore.

"With this cooperation with China, we are a bit worried. And many movement figures don't want to support the Taliban, because they have relations with Chinese communists to fight Uighur Muslims. This is a problem," he said.

"This I think is interesting, whether they are selfishly willing to have a state, but then sacrifice their other Muslim brothers in the Uighurs. This is interesting I think. We need to study whether the Taliban will apply Teuku Umar's tactics and strategies," he concluded.

For information, Tuesday, August 17, the main spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid made a number of promises to Afghans, especially women. The Taliban have promised to pardon soldiers and members of the old US-backed government and allies. The Taliban also promised amnesty for soldiers, contractors and translators working for international forces.

Mujahid also asked all Afghans to return home. Mujahid guaranteed their safety. "Nothing will hurt you," he said. Mujahid also mentioned that there is a big difference between the Taliban that the world knew 20 years ago and now. He made several commitments. The press, for example. Mujahid promised independence and freedom to the private mass media.

Meanwhile, General Sir Nick Carter, UK Chief of Defense Staff, said the current Taliban may be different and need to be given space.

"We have to be patient, we have to hold back and we have to give them space to form a government. We have to give them space to show their credentials. Maybe this Taliban is a different kind of Taliban to what people remember from the 1990s," Carter said. quoting Reuters from the BBC Wednesday 18 August.

"Maybe the Taliban make more sense. It's less repressive. And indeed, if you look at the current way of governing Kabul, there are some indications that it makes more sense," he said.