RASC News Agency: News sources from Herat province in western Afghanistan confirm that prominent Taliban authorities aim to convert all private schools into religious schools or madrasas. An informed source in Herat province, speaking exclusively to the RASC news agency on Friday, January 5, stated that the Taliban plans to gradually implement this scheme, transforming all private schools in the city and the provinces of this region into public religious centers.
The source notes that the Taliban not only has these plans but also intends to make significant changes, undermining all the efforts made over the past 20 years and turning all hopes into despair. Emphasizing that if this matter aligns with the intentions of the Taliban, there is a considerable possibility that centers of extremism will slowly expand, amplifying existing concerns. These assertions come from credible sources, as it was revealed some time ago during the Republic government’s era that centers of extremism were established in the “Imam Shash Noor” region of Herat province by some Wahhabi individuals.
It is reported that individuals from these extremist centers in the Imam Shash Noor region of Herat attacked residents of those areas, vehemently opposing the hearing of music. It should be noted that the raids by individuals from these extremist centers left several dead and injured among the general population, compelling some families to flee from those areas. Still, other sources in the western region of Afghanistan confirm that “the Taliban has a dual approach, with plans for religious schools on one side and a refusal to issue permits for religious schools to the officials of private schools on the other.”
The source adds that Pakistan and some other Asian countries are attempting to impede Afghanistan from modern education and hinder the progress of intellectual capital represented by the country’s youth. According to the source: “If the Taliban is sincere about being Afghanistani, they should pay attention to all the opinions of involved countries and regulate their work according to the consent of the people.” However, Momin Qayoomi, a civil activist in Herat province, told RASC that with the arrival of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the people of Afghanistan have regressed to 20 years ago, and the efforts they made to build their future have reverted to a dark history.
He says, “To assess the situation, we must acknowledge that the most worthy people of the nation are enduring their lives in neighboring countries and in Europe.” According to him, “The world is progressing day by day, and the Taliban are becoming more unsuccessful and regressive every day.” Moreover, he adds, “If the leaders of the Taliban dictate to this group for several years in Afghanistan, there is a possibility that for a decade or more, their approach and interaction with the people will be akin to a Muslim and Godly human.”
However, Fahim Noori, a political affairs expert, tells RASC that it will be clarified with the US presidential election whether this group will remain in Afghanistan or the project of several years will be consigned to oblivion. He also adds, “If Biden or his party regains the presidency of the United States, it is possible that the Taliban will remain in Afghanistan for a limited time; but if Trump or the Republicans rely on the presidency, then the story will change, and this darkness will turn into a bright light.” Still, regarding religious schools, we sought to have the opinions of Taliban officials in Herat province, but they were not willing to speak.
