Tuesday’s announcement of the Taliban’s Cabinet to rule Afghanistan belied the militant group’s claims that it would include women and ethnic minorities.
The Cabinet does not include any women or people from the Hazara minority, and largely consists of Taliban leaders with many members of the Haqqani clan, a military ally.
“Inclusivity would mean they talk to Afghans, which includes civil society, women, different ethnic groups including minorities, before creating a cabinet,” said Lima Ahmad, PhD candidate in international security and conflict resolution at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
“Who did they talk to or consult with before putting this Cabinet together?
“Nearly everyone in the Cabinet is a Mullah [religious leader]. It is a mistake to believe that this is all Afghanistan represents.”
Ms Ahmad said the choices lacked demographic balance and dismissed Afghan values.
“Why was there no Loya Jirga held to pick the minister, where representatives of Afghan tribes could weigh in?” she asked.
The Loya Jirga is the traditional grand assembly of tribal elders, which holds a common place in Afghan politics.
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