Reactions to Taliban Defense Minister's Statements: Society Not Run by Preaching

Recent statements by Mullah Yaqub, Taliban defense minister, have sparked reactions and criticisms. On Sunday, 26 Dalu, during the anniversary of the former Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in Kabul, Mullah Yaqub told Taliban forces not to act in ways that would lead sensible people to call them crazy. He urged them to consider the future and future generations, leaving a 'white history' of pride rather than one written in 'black or red.'

Dawood Naji, head of the political committee of the Freedom Front of Afghanistan, reposted the statements on X, saying, 'Society is run by modern systems and laws, not by advice.' He added that when laws are from the Hijri century, criticizing rulers is a crime, society is stratified, the country is a scene of horror with field courts for executions and floggings, and revenge is taken by crazed individuals with swords, moral advice does not work.

Social media users stated that Taliban officials should demonstrate thoughtfulness in justice, prudence, respect for people's rights, freedom of thought, and girls' education, adding that words are not enough. They said a call to rationality is meaningful only if the Taliban's behavior is rational.

Civil activist and journalist Lina Rozbeh expressed surprise at Mullah Yaqub's remarks, writing on X that he should first advise his own terrorists. She said those who take revenge are exactly Taliban, who destroyed homes and killed to gain power and are now killing regime opponents, former military personnel, and others. Despite Hibatullah Akhundzada's general amnesty announcement, some former government employees, especially military personnel, have been killed over the past four years.

Hasht-e Subh newspaper questioned why Taliban officials' words are not reflected in their regime's daily performance. It noted that Hibatullah Akhundzada and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani also speak of unity, but for the Taliban, unity means 'unity in obedience,' not participation. The paper stated that Taliban view unity as unconditional acceptance of the existing order and marginalizing opposing voices, rather than equitable power-sharing or recognizing social-cultural diversity. It added that the regime remains based on concentration and absolute obedience from Kandahar.