The Taliban Constitution

The Constitution of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, comes days after the Defence Secretary, Des Browne, said that the Taliban will need to take a role in the peace process in Afghanistan. On freedom of speech the Taliban charter, which is written in Pashto and Dari, is clear: "Every Afghan has the right to express his feelings through his views, writings or through other means in accordance with the law." However "un-Islamic thought" is strictly forbidden and "violators will be punished according to sharia" - under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic teachings. It provides for the education of women but only within the limits of sharia and stresses that the government will enforce compliance with Sharai Hejab - that women cover fully cover themselves. The document also stresses the importance of jihad as an obligation for every citizen. It offers the Taliban's support for the United Nations and upholds human rights - "until it is contrary with the teachings of Islam". "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wishes good working relations with all the neighbouring countries and specially those who have supported the Afghan nation during jihad," it adds. The greatest power is vested in an Emir-ul-Momineen, or leader of the faithful. Like its official Afghan counterpart, the constitution states that no law can "be contrary to Islamic sharia". The Taliban, which ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and continues to maintain it is the legitimate government, promulgated harsh, unorthodox edicts. The constitution was approved by the Taliban's central shura religious council, headed by Mullah Omer, in 2005 but it has not been made public until now. "The publication of the constitution is only to make sure every citizen of Afghanistan gets it in black and white," said Fath-ul-Kabir, a Taliban commander from Ghazni in Afghanistan. "This is first time the Taliban has clearly set out its aims," said Ahmed Rashid, the author of The Taliban. "Previously their only source of guidance was the Koran." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/29/wafg129.xml

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