09/03/2021 Afghanistan (International Christian Concern) The Taliban are expected to announce a new government in Afghanistan today following their capture of the countrys capital and the complete withdrawal of US troops. Some reports have indicated the Talibans co-founder, Mullah Baradar, will be tapped to lead the new government faced with ruling the war-torn country.

According to reports by the AFP, a government cabinet could be presented by the Taliban in the hours following morning prayers. Ahmadullah Muttaiq, a Taliban official, said on social media that a ceremony was being prepared at Kabuls presidential palace.

Prior to the invasion of US-led forces, the Taliban ruled Afghanistan through an unelected leadership council that brutally enforced the groups fundamentalist interpretation of Shariah. Many hope the Talibans new government will soften its stance on Shariah and form a more inclusive government.

We are not taking them at their word, were going to take them at their deeds, US Undersecretary of State, Victoria Nuland, told the Guardian. European Union leaders have said they will not recognize the Talibans new government unless they form an inclusive government that respects human rights and provides access to the country for aid workers.

Experts around the world are concern Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. With the economy in freefall and the countryside affected by a sever drought, many fear food insecurity will quickly become an issue for the thousands who have been displaced by the last 20 years of fighting.

For the countrys religious minorities, the official establishment of the Taliban government has them bracing for increased oppression and persecution. Afghan Christians in particular fear the Taliban governments likely enforcement of Shariah.

Afghanistans Christian community is almost exclusively comprised of converts from Islam. Some estimate the Christian population to be between 8,000 and 12,000, making it one of the countrys largest religious minority groups. However, due to extreme persecution, the Christian community remains largely closeted and hidden from the public eye.

Their status as converts makes Afghan Christians direct targets for persecution by both extremist groups and society in general. In Afghanistan, leaving Islam is considered extremely shameful and converts can face dire consequences if their conversion is discovered.

In many cases, known Christians must flee Afghanistan or risk being killed.

According to the Talibans ideology, Afghanistan is a Muslim country and non-Muslims must leave Afghanistan or accept second class status. For Christians, coming from convert backgrounds, the Taliban will consider them apostate and subject to Shariahs most brutal punishments.

For interviews, please contact Addison Parker: press@persecution.org.

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Taliban Expected to Announce New Government in Afghanistan - International Christian Concern