Taliban Leader Declares No Need For Western Laws, Says “Democracy Is Dead In Afghanistan”

Taliban Leader

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has declared that Afghanistan has no need for Western laws, emphasizing that democracy no longer exists under the Taliban’s strict Islamic rule.

Speaking in Pashto during an Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Kandahar’s Eidgah Mosque, Akhundzada asserted that sharia law is the sole governing system in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, later shared the 50-minute audio message on social media.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, Akhundzada has taken a dominant role in shaping policies. While some officials had initially promised a more moderate rule, the Taliban leadership has instead enforced increasingly strict laws. This has led to bans on women’s education, restrictions on jobs, and limits on their presence in public spaces, drawing widespread international criticism.

Despite efforts to build diplomatic ties with countries like China and the United Arab Emirates, the Taliban remain largely isolated from the global community due to their hardline policies.

In his sermon, Akhundzada condemned the West, particularly the United States, accusing them of uniting against Muslims. He referenced the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as an example of this alleged hostility. The Taliban leader also claimed that democracy in Afghanistan had ended, and that supporters of democratic ideals were trying to turn people against his government.

Internal Rifts & International Engagement

While the Taliban remain in firm control, some senior figures within the administration have privately voiced concerns about Akhundzada’s leadership style. Some officials argue that easing restrictions and improving relations with other countries could benefit Afghanistan, but the supreme leader has continued to tighten his grip on power.

Recent reports suggest increased engagement between the Taliban and the United States, particularly in matters like prisoner exchanges. However, Afghanistan remains under heavy sanctions, with limited recognition from the global community.

Afghanistan’s Uncertain Future

The Taliban first rose to power in the 1990s but were overthrown by a U.S.-led invasion in 2001. After the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, they swiftly regained control. While major conflicts have ceased, the Taliban now face security threats from the Islamic State and anti-Taliban resistance in certain regions.

Despite internal disputes and external pressure, Akhundzada has shown no signs of loosening his control. With democracy declared “dead” and strict sharia laws in effect, Afghanistan’s future under Taliban rule remains uncertain.