Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Introduction: In recent months, the Taliban has faced growing internal divisions over its decision to ban girls from secondary education, a policy that has sparked both domestic and international outrage. The controversy has reached such a point that it has prompted the departure of at least one high-ranking official and forced many Afghan families to relocate to neighboring countries so their daughters can continue their education. This internal rift within the Taliban threatens to undermine its unity and raise questions about the future direction of the group.
Background on the Taliban’s Rise to Power: Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban rapidly regained control of the country. With their return to power, the group imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, particularly impacting the rights and freedoms of women and girls. One of the most controversial measures was the imposition of a ban on girls attending secondary school, enacted just one month after the Taliban took over the country.
This decision has sparked widespread protests, both in Afghanistan and around the world, with many human rights organizations condemning the move as a violation of international law and human rights. However, within the Taliban itself, this policy has begun to cause significant divisions.
The Growing Divide Within the Taliban: According to sources within the Taliban, there has been an increasing divide between the ultra-conservative members of the movement and more moderate factions based in Kabul. These moderates, who have long advocated for a more pragmatic approach to governance, have expressed concerns that the hardline policies, particularly the ban on girls’ education, are damaging the group’s international standing and alienating potential allies.
In the southern city of Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and home to its supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, tensions have been mounting. Kandahar has become a stronghold for the most conservative elements of the Taliban, but even within this stronghold, the pressure for reform is building. Some high-ranking members have even started calling for a reevaluation of the education ban, suggesting that it may be politically and socially unsustainable in the long run.
Public Reactions and Notable Defections: One of the most vocal critics of the ban has been Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the acting Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, who was once a key figure in the Taliban’s diplomatic efforts. Stanikzai publicly condemned the policy during a graduation ceremony in the eastern province of Khost on January 18, 2023, calling the decision unjust and incompatible with Sharia law. He argued that the prohibition was not rooted in Islamic teachings but rather in a personal choice made by certain individuals within the movement.
Following his public criticism, Stanikzai, who had previously been trusted by the Taliban to lead peace negotiations with the U.S. in Qatar, left Afghanistan and sought refuge in the United Arab Emirates. His departure marks a significant shift in the Taliban’s internal politics, as it signals a growing dissatisfaction with the movement’s leadership and decision-making processes.
Despite efforts by Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar to convince Stanikzai to return, the latter remained firm in his stance, refusing to return to Afghanistan. According to three sources within the Taliban, Stanikzai’s resignation is seen as a protest against what they described as the “illogical and irresponsible policies” of the regime.
Impact on Afghan Society and the Education Crisis: The consequences of the education ban are severe. According to a report from UNICEF, nearly 2.2 million Afghan girls were denied access to education as the new school year began in 2023. This has further exacerbated the already dire situation for girls and women in Afghanistan, who have faced increasing restrictions on their rights since the Taliban’s return to power.
The ban on secondary education for girls has forced many families to make difficult decisions, including migrating to countries where their daughters can continue their education. These families are not only seeking better opportunities for their children but are also expressing a deepening sense of despair over the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The internal conflict within the Taliban over the ban on girls’ secondary education represents a critical juncture in the group’s governance. As divisions within the movement continue to deepen, it remains uncertain whether the Taliban can maintain its unity. The calls for reform from moderate factions are growing louder, but the hardline leadership, particularly in Kandahar, seems intent on maintaining its strict policies. This internal struggle could have significant implications for the future of Afghanistan, as well as for the Taliban’s ability to effectively govern a country already grappling with political, social, and economic instability.
