Ulema Councils to Govern Afghanistan Under Taliban

Under the Defacto Authority or Taliban calling itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [IEA] Ulema Councils are likely to be hold the reins of power over the established systems of government. The first such council has been established in Uruzgan – a key province in Taliban’s southern heartland.

Under the decree of the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Abdul Ghaffoor appointed as the chairman of the council, and Mawlavi Hamid Akhundzada as the deputy of the council a press release in the Bakhtar News Agency reported.

“The council will be responsible to provide advice to the related officials of the province under Sharia rules for the better adjustment of the affairs” said the release.

This comes even as the front face of the government in Kabul remains ‘Acting Appointments,’ be it the powerful former Deputy of the Taliban Mullah Barader who is the Acting Deputy Prime Minister of the acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani who leads the dangerous militia known as the Haqqani network.

The Islamic Emirate leadership has not announced a formal cabinet.

As per Tolonews officials in Kabul claim that there are governance shortages as one of the main reasons the country is still running without state officials.

In addition lack of a constitution, the inability to create a council, and a few other governance-related issues are some of the main reasons why an official cabinet has not been announced.

On the other hand the so called Supreme Authority is claiming that the Sharia is enough as a constitution and thus rule by the same is the order in the country including in international relations. Apparently the differences between Kabul and Kandahar where the ideological clique of Taliban lives may be one of the main reasons for lack of a formal government.

This comes at a time world leaders, including international community, has repeatedly denied formal recognition to the former terrorist group, urging the de facto leadership to form an inclusive government in the country.

After Uruzgan it is likely that all provinces will have a similar Ulema Council which will supervise the work of the administration officials who will all remain under the draconian laws of the Sharia.

Even as there is a global call for an inclusive government and restoration of the rights of women, in Afghanistan, these are now a chimera as the Kandahar clique led by Mullah Habitullah which actually holds the reins of power is not likely to allow it and in fact is tightening controls by establishing Ulema Councils.