What we know about the Taliban's political agenda

The Taliban must transform from insurgency into governing power

A month after seizing power following a lightning offensive in Afghanistan, the Taliban this week completed their interim government -- but their political agenda is still unclear.

The lack of clarity is fuelling concern among Afghans and the international community that the hardline Islamists are heading towards imposing the same brutal policies against women and opponents seen in their previous rule between 1996 and 2001.

- Women's rights -

How the all-male leadership treat women is expected to be critical to any resumption of suspended Western economic aid on which the country depends.

Most have been told not to return to work until the Taliban have ironed out "new systems", while some are staying home out of fear of future reprisal attacks for being a working woman. 

The Taliban says the measures are temporary, but many are distrustful of the group. 

- Press freedom -

"We will respect freedom of the press because media reporting will be useful to society and will be able to help correct the leaders' errors," a Taliban spokesman told Reporters Without Borders.

One of them is a ban on broadcasting "material contrary to Islam" or considered "insulting to public figures".

Even before the announcement of these new guidelines in mid-September, many journalists had fled the country. 

Some Afghan journalists were briefly arrested or beaten on the sidelines of recent anti-Taliban protests.

During their first stint in power, the Taliban were infamous for their strict interpretation of sharia law, banning music, photography, television, and even children's games such as kite-flying.

This time, the Taliban have yet to issue official decrees regarding entertainment and culture.

Music schools have closed and some players have smashed their instruments. 

- Economy -

Afghanistan is facing a financial crisis following the takeover, with much of the international aid that had propped up the economy frozen.

"We are going to be working on our natural resources and our resources in order to revitalise our economy," Mujahid said.

In the midst of a liquidity crisis and at a time when the population was already struggling to make ends meet, the movement said it had turned the page on corruption, which tainted the previous government.

Many Afghans have reported an increased sense of security since the Taliban took over and fighting ended. 

The Taliban have also warned that "anyone who tries to start an insurgency will be hit hard", a message to resistance forces in Panjshir, who were defeated earlier this month.

As for drugs, Taliban spokesperson Mujahid promised that the new government would not turn Afghanistan, the world's leading producer of opium, into a real narco-state.

Certain sports were allowed under the Taliban's first government, but they were strictly controlled and only men could play or attend matches. 

The statements of other Taliban members sowed confusion, leaving sportswomen and the country's athletes fearing a step backwards.

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