Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh says that the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan cannot be attributed solely to restrictions on women’s education and employment; rather, he argues that it is directly linked to the Taliban’s power structure.
In a post on his X account, Saleh said that the Taliban should not be invited to negotiations, nor should they be briefed on the potential benefits of dialogue, because, in his view, doing so would work against the interests of the Taliban’s opponents.
He also said there is no need to advise the United States on counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan, arguing that Washington knows both sides and has, in some cases, supported both.
Saleh called on his supporters not to rely on undecided individuals and not to waste their time engaging with Taliban supporters. He urged his followers to demonstrate in practice the struggle and strength they speak about.
He also criticized some former officials of the republic, saying they should not portray themselves as experts on the fall of the republic, but should instead focus on their own roles and responsibilities. He described interviews given by some former republican officials against the republican system as “disgraceful.”
Saleh accused the Taliban of reaching agreements with foreigners when they came to power, committing crimes inside the country, and using various means to consolidate their rule. Referring to various incidents of violence against women and civilians, he said the Taliban cannot be absolved through propaganda efforts.
He called on his supporters to remain committed to their struggle and not to be afraid. According to Saleh, the ongoing resistance by the Taliban’s opponents has put pressure on the group, prompting some Taliban members to resort to insults and street-level rhetoric instead of logic.
Saleh says the Taliban have numerous weaknesses, but that many people focus only on the group’s strengths. He urged his supporters to concentrate on the Taliban’s weaknesses, arguing that doing so would make ending the group’s rule appear more achievable and encourage more people to join the struggle.
He stressed that Afghanistan’s national crisis should not be reduced solely to the issues of women’s education, employment, and rights. According to him, these restrictions are only one part of the problem, and the primary focus should be on the Taliban’s power structure. As long as that structure remains in place, he argued, simply reopening university doors will not resolve Afghanistan’s fundamental problems.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
