Taliban ban forced marriages of women in Afghanistan

By Associated Press ^ | Dec 3 | AP

[RandFan]

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – The Taliban decreed Friday that they are banning the forced marriage of women in the war-torn country, in what appears to be a move to address criteria that developed nations consider a precondition to recognize their government and restore aid.

The move announced by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhunzada came as poverty is surging in Afghanistan, following the religious militia’s takeover in August that pushed out U.S. and international forces and led foreign governments to halt funds that had been a mainstay of the economy.

“Both (women and men) should be equal,” said the decree, adding that “no one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure.” Women’s rights improved markedly over the past two decades of international presence in Afghanistan, but are seen as under threat with the return of the Taliban, whose earlier rule in the 1990s saw them virtually cloistered.

Forced marriages have become more commonplace in the poor, conservative country, as the internally displaced marry off their young daughters in exchange for a bride-price that can be used to pay debts and feed their families.

The announced decree did not mention a minimum age for marriage, which previously was set at 16 years old.

Women in Afghanistan for decades were treated like property - as an exchange token for blood money or ending disputes or tribal feuds. The Taliban now state they are against the practice. They also said a widow will now be allowed to re-marry 17 weeks after her husband’s death, choosing her new husband freely.

Longstanding tribal traditions have held it customary for a widow to marry one of her husband’s brothers or relatives in the event of his death.

[Thank You Rush]

And countries - such as the U.S. - will fall for it and resume funding that dastardly regime and wring their hands when they go back on their word. Oh! Call for an investigation and it will be made right.

[DoughtyOne]

To read our press reports, everything is Rosy in Afghanistan these days. Why
who cares we still have Americans stuck there.

I believe the guide is whatever takes pressure off Biden for the way he botched
our exit.

[pas]

The operative word was SHOULD be equal.

[antidemoncrat]

“Taliban ban forced marriages of women in Afghanistan”

I’m sure they will draw the like at making 9 year old girls get married ... well maybe not if the girls say it’s OK

[Carriage Hill]

BS. No one believes this PR crap. They just want the money and recognition of their murderous regime. They’re still as subhuman as ever, just quieter.

[Scrambler Bob]

OK, forced marriage is banned.

But, we will adapt western ways; forced living together is permitted.