Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Taliban Govern Large Areas of Afghanistan

Residents turning to Taliban 'rulers' to settle criminal, civil disputes

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Aug 24, 2008 6:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Taliban is regaining significant ground in Afghanistan, running a harsh but effective parallel government that wields more power than the official administration, reports the Observer. Taliban influence has spread as far as the outskirts of Kabul, and is firmly entrenched in large parts of the south and east.

Villagers are turning to the Taliban to settle civil and criminal disputes. “I can't blame them,” said a local judge. “A court case in the government system takes five years and many bribes. The Taliban will settle it in an afternoon.” Taliban rulers are reportedly enforcing their strict moral code in some areas, while policing standard criminal behavior in others.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

An Afghan woman shouts anti-US slogans in front of her destroyed home in Azizabad on Saturday. The Taliban are regaining power in Afghanistan by creating a more effective, parallel government. (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooyaa)

A police vehicle set on fire by protesters in Afghanistan on Saturday. Experts say there are 'too many structural and ideological blockages' to wrest the country back from the Taliban's growing power. (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooya)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

When the Taliban were in power, you could drive all the way to Kandahar with a bag of money and no one would touch you. Now the government are thieves.
- Ismatullah, an Afghani tribal elder

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Bush Stops in Afghanistan; Vows Support

Pledges continued US support

(NEWSER) - Five hours after his final visit to the country that defined his presidency, President Bush landed in Afghanistan this morning for an unsurprising surprise visit on his farewell tour. After a pre-dawn rally with US troops, the president renewed his support of the fledgling democracy in a meeting with President Hamid Karzai, reports the New York Times. More»

Al-Qaeda Crows About US Credit Crisis

Some supporters hope for McCain victory

(NEWSER) - Al-Qaeda websites are celebrating the crippling crisis sweeping the US economy and financial markets, with some internet postings crediting al-Qaeda for luring the nation into a war that has exhausted its resources, reports the Washington Post. Some writers are penning messages expressing hope for renewed terror attacks and a John McCain victory so that the commitment of US military resources will intensify. More»

Obama Declares Afghanistan 'Precarious and Urgent'

Candidate pledges more US troops

(NEWSER) - Calling the situation in Afghanistan "precarious and urgent," Barack Obama today urged the Bush administration to make Afghanistan—rather than Iraq—"the central front in our battle against terrorism." In his first interview since arriving in the country yesterday, the Democratic candidate told Lara Logan on Face the Nation that an additional two brigades were needed to combat insurgents and the drug trade that finances them, USA Today reports. More»

In Afghanistan, Laura Bush Urges Support

Int'l community dare not pull out during 'crucial' Taliban uprising

(NEWSER) - During an unannounced visit to Kabul today, Laura Bush urged the international community not to pull support from Afghanistan, highlighting successes in reconstruction and improved women’s rights, Reuters reports. The first lady's visit came even as Afghan, US, and NATO forces fight to contain a Taliban guerilla war in which the group and its al-Qaeda allies have vowed to increase suicide bombings to deter international aid to the country. More»

Pakistan Hunts for Missing Diplomat

Ambassador to Afghanistan feared kidnapped near border

(NEWSER) - Pakistani officials are hunting for their ambassador to neighboring Afghanistan, and the country's president believes he was abducted, Reuters reports. "The Pakistan ambassador to Afghanistan has been kidnapped while traveling to Afghanistan," Hamid Karzai said. The diplomat went missing yesterday while traveling through the Khyber Pass, a region notorious for its smugglers and bandits. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Taliban Govern Large Areas of Afghanistan