Taliban Hold First Press Conference Since Afghanistan Takeover

The Taliban held a press conference on Tuesday following their lightning-fast offensive which culminated in the capture of Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul on Sunday.

The spokesperson for the Taliban answered questions regarding safety, retaliation and women’s rights.

“We are assuring the safety of all those who have worked with the United States and allied forces whether as interpreters or any other field that they have worked with them,” the spokesperson told reporters. “As for their talents and skills, we do not want them to leave the country. We want them to serve our homeland.”

Captured American civil engineer Mark Frerichs, who was taken hostage by the Taliban, was acknowledged but was not mentioned by name. “As for the contractor that was… perhaps has gone missing as reported by the media, we do not have any information about him at the moment.” Mark Frerich’s family is begging President Biden to not leave their loved one behind.

The Taliban spokesperson went on to say that “women will be afforded all their rights whether it is at work, or other activities, because women are a key part of society, and we are guaranteeing all their rights–within limits of Islam.” When the Taliban was last in control they enforced a strict Shariah Islamic law that did not allow women to work or study.

Rina Amiri, a senior associate at New York University Center for Global Affairs, had a different take for ABC News, saying there is no evidence for women to believe that anything has changed. “They’re hiding in their homes because the Taliban has been coming to their door. I’ve received so many calls where they have been intimidating them and their families. “They’re creating a climate of incredible repression and threat,” she declared..

“What we see in Afghanistan is not a new Taliban that’s better for women,” she continued. “We see one that’s more strategic, more brutal and far more effective.”

“It’s laudable that the administration wants to help those who work directly for the United States, but these are the US strongest Allies and supporters–the women and the human rights defenders in the country –and they are abandoned, to a terrible fate,” she said.

American adversaries appear more than ready to establish diplomatic relations with the new Taliban-led government in Kabul. China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan are all reportedly taking steps toward recognizing the new regime known as “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”