Taliban’s Big Boy‑Collective: A Gathering Without Gals
On June 29th, Abdul Salam Hanafi, the acting deputy prime minister, let the state broadcaster RTA in on a huge meet‑up of Afghanistan’s religious scholars and tribal elders. The event, the first of its kind since the Taliban’s takeover last August, will launch on Thursday and is expected to bring together about 3,000 men for a “positive step toward stability and national unity.”
What’s on the Agenda?
- Role of Islam in governance – the leaders want to shape a system that follows religious principles.
- Economic & Social Issues – with Afghanistan’s economy in crisis, banks frozen, and international sanctions choking activity.
- Women’s Representation – should be a hot topic, yet the meeting will exclude women.
Women Out? Men in?
When pressed on whether women would be present, Hanafi shrugged. “Male delegates will stand in for the women,” he said. He added a touch of respect, framing it as the fathers, brothers, and sons being there on behalf of their mothers and sisters. He claimed “when their sons are in the gathering it means they are also involved, in a way.”
Critics Speak Out
Civil society groups are quick to point out that a purely male assembly would lack legitimacy. They argue that the absence of women places the gathering in an “empty‑throat” position—no real representation.
Is This A “Loya Jirga”?
In all likelihood, yes. The traditional loya jirga is a big decision‑making powerhouse in Afghanistan, used before by former President Ashraf Ghani in 2020 to push peace deals.
Where Do We Stand on Females?
- International Pressure: The U.S. and allies say the Taliban needs to change its stance on women’s rights after a brief opening of girls’ high schools and demanding women cover up and have a male chaperone.
- Inclusive Governance: Calls for an inclusive Afghan government are growing louder, especially with key ministries still staffed by Taliban members on a temporary basis.
- No Elections: The group has ruled out any upcoming elections.
Banking: A World War Effort
Hanafi and the foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi are racing to unblock the Afghan banking sector. The White House has been brainstorming solutions that benefit ordinary Afghans—and not the Taliban’s cut.
Takeaway
So, here’s the skinny: big, male‑only meeting, big economic problems, a lot of international back‑lashes, and a looming question—will girls ever get a seat at the table in Afghanistan? Time will tell, but for now the Taliban’s got a lot of ground to cover.
