RASC News Agency: Saad Mohseni, owner of Moby Media Group and a well-known technocratic lobbyist for the Taliban, stated in an interview with the Indian newspaper The Week that the Taliban’s current rule is less restrictive compared to their first regime. According to Mohseni, the Taliban have undergone internal transformations, marked by the emergence of diverse ideological factions, including both pragmatists and hardline conservatives. He contends that these internal dynamics have resulted in a moderation of policies relative to their earlier rule. As the head of one of Afghanistan’s largest media conglomerates, Mohseni underscores what he describes as the Taliban’s “evolutionary process”, asserting that the group has the capacity for adaptation and reform. He argues that pragmatic elements within the Taliban could spearhead internal change, leading to a more flexible governance approach. Furthermore, he claims that journalists and media professionals have noticed these changes, suggesting that the Taliban have learned to navigate complex geopolitical realities and adjust their strategies accordingly.
When asked about the restrictions imposed on women and girls’ education, Mohseni compared Afghanistan’s policies to those in Iran, acknowledging that Afghanistan lags behind Iran in terms of educational access for girls. However, he insisted that despite the challenges, the country has witnessed incremental progress compared to previous years. Mohseni’s statements particularly concerning women’s rights and the Taliban’s governance policies have triggered widespread debate both domestically and internationally. Many human rights organizations and analysts argue that the Taliban’s approach to governance remains highly repressive, especially regarding women’s freedoms. Observers warn that statements minimizing the Taliban’s restrictive measures may obscure the reality of systematic oppression under their rule.
Several international reports have documented the severe limitations placed on Afghanistani women, including blanket bans on female education at various levels. These policies have fueled ongoing protests and grassroots resistance within Afghanistan. Analysts predict that if the Taliban continue to tighten their grip on civil liberties, the nation is likely to witness a resurgence of widespread dissent and unrest in the coming months.
