Afghan political leaders protest cabinet choices

KABUL: Several of Afghanistan’s major political parties on Wednesday reacted to the Taliban’s new caretaker government which was announced late Tuesday, saying that the cabinet is not inclusive and that political parties have been excluded.

Jamiat-e-Islami Party, led by Salahuddin Rabbani, in a statement said the cabinet is unbalanced. The statement said “the announcement of the government showed that the Taliban is more monopolist and extremist in politics and power than the previous imposed leaders.” Meanwhile, Atta Mohammad Noor, the head of the splinter faction of Jamiat-e-Islami Party, criticized the new cabinet. He wrote on his Facebook page: “The announcement of the government is against all regulations and ruling laws. This is the sign of hegemony, monopoly and a return to the past.” According to him, this government is doomed to fail.

Kabul residents reacted in various ways to the announced cabinet and acting ministers. Some people welcomed the announcement while others objected to the decisions made by the Taliban. Abdul Rashid, a Kabul resident, said: “They appointed their own figures, not ones from the people. ‘Inclusive’ means that all ethnicities living in Afghanistan take part in the government.” Another Kabul resident, Mahmood, said: “I am optimistic. The cabinet needs to start work soon because people need to be served.” The Taliban said that the cabinet is changeable and was announced to accelerate public services and solve people’s problems.