This is an exclusive interview with a man of great importance,
as well as one who is not accustomed to giving interviews. A man who the
world knows so little about, yet is so curious to understand, is what
makes this interview so special. This is the interview given to and taken
from The Islamic Emirate Magazine.
Q: When I interviewed you five years ago, you told me that you did
not wish to rule the country and that, after security had been restored,
you planned to hand over the government over to the religious scholars.
Is that still your position?
A: Yes, we stated that it is not our desire to govern the people. For
that reason, we handed the matter over to the scholars and given them
full authority to make decisions. They have decided to spread Islamic
law, and agreed that we should remain to assist in that task. Our target
is clear: the implementation of Shari'ah, not the introduction of dictatorship.
Q: What kind of political system does the Emirate want?
A: We have chosen a path that requires us to abide by the law of Allah
in all matters of life. Now and in the future, we will hold firmly to
the Shari'ah as our guide. Islam is the true religion, and the path
to success in this life and the next. It is a guide for all mankind.
Q: Certain quarters are demanding a broad-based governement representative
of all ethnic and political groups, which would be elected by the people,
not imposed on them. What do you say to that?
A: We state with conviction that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
is the realization of the Afghan people's wishes and aspirations, and
for that reason, we have been accepted in 90% of the country. History
is witness that no one could possibly govern Afghanistan by force. If
it were not the desire of the nation, the Taliban would be unable to
govern. For these reasons, we reject all claims of outside elements
as baseless and unfair. If by a broad-based government is meant one
in which Aghans have a role to play, then the Islamic Emirate is that
government. All ethnic groups have a part in the implementation of Islamic
law. But, if they intend by "broad-based" a regime that includes secularists,
former communists, and embezzlers of public funds, then that is entirely
unacceptable. Our objectives are threefold: (1) to enforce Islamic law,
(2) to unite the country, (3) to improve the security situation. This
requires unity of purpose and vision, so if we included those people
who destroyed Afghanistan in our ranks, it would be detrimental to the
realization of our goals.
Q: The western countries and some (Islamic) countries are urging
you to change your position? Is that possible?
A: It is outside the realm of possibility that we change our stand
on the issue of Shari'ah, because it came from Heaven and is not a human
law for us to amend as we please. This is what has enraged America and
caused it to force itself upon us and exert pressure on us by way of
the United Nations and others. We request the Islamic world to stand
by us, because it is our people (Mujahideen) who, with the help of Allah,
removed the Red Menace from the face of the earth. In any case, we rely
on Allah alone, and whether the people help us or don't help us does
not matter.
Q: The military situation in Afghanistan has been stagnant for two
or three years now. Is this a sign of a new approach for your government,
or a result of weakness? Is it your belief that the opposition might
succeed?
A: Do to ongoing negotiations and the tendency to switch sides and
join the forces of the Islamic Emirate, as well as persistant foriegn
interference, the battle has been extended. In spite of the aid and
support that America, Russia, and others are providing to the oppostion,
we don't feel they will be victorious.
Q: Once again, an envoy of the UN Secretary General visited Afghanistan
to further the peace process and arrange talks between the Islamic Emirate
and the opposition. What are the possibilities for success.
A: Many UN envoys have visited the IEA and its opposition with these
goals in mind, but all their efforts ultimately end in failure, due
either to their insincerity or bias towards towards the rebels. In the
end, the rebels believe that the preservation of their rule lies in
war, as the Afghan people have rejected the and refused to accept them.
The opposition wishes to force itself on the people.
Q: Why are the agreements made with the opposition no implemented?
What benefit is gained from these decisions, if they are not followed
through on?
A: The primary topics focused on in the most recent negotiating sessions
were prisoner exchange and preserving a dialogue. We accepted all terms
- it is now up to the opposition to follow through.
Q: In today's world, people and nations hold dialogues in order
to come to mutual understanding and bring about peace. Why are Afghans
unable to sit together and do the same?
A: It is selfish desire and thirst for power which hinder the opponents
of peace from fulfilling the wishes of all those who sacrificed themselves
or a loved one in jihad. As they were unable to succeed ontheir own,
they have now turned to Russia for assistance in fighting an Islamic
government.
Q: The opposition alliance claims that the Taliban is an exclusively
Pushtan movement that does not accomodate other ethnic groups. How do
you answer their assertions?
A: The IEA has successfully installed a multi-faceted Islamic sstem,
with justice, security, and stability present in all areas under its
control (i.e. most of Afghanistan). This process was completed in a
very short period of time, providing evidence of the public support
for the Islamic Emirate. This backing comes from all Afghan ethnic groupings,
and therefore the Taliban Administration is representative of all Afghan
people, without bias towards one particular tribe or nation. Anone who
is committed to working in the best of Afghanistan and Muslims is allowed
to play a role in the Islamic Emirate.
Q: The opposition also claims that Paksitaniarmy regulars fight
in the ranks of the Taliban. What is your repsonse to that?
A: These accusations are baseless and an attempt by the rebels to explain
away their humiliating defeats, both past and future. They are unable
to provide any proof whatsoever of Paksitani military collaboration
with the IEA.
Q: What is the nature of the relationship that you would like to
have with other countries?
A: We hope to that our international relations will be based on humanitarian
good will and mutual respect. We have requested from our brother Muslim
countries and the adjacent nations friendly cooperation and that there
be no interference in each other's affairs.
Q: Yet, Afghanistan has been placed on the list of countries supporting
terrorism. What is your response to that?
A: We ourselves are victims of terrorism. Sometimes, we are harassed
by Russia, sometimes hit by American cruise missiles, and sometimes
devasted by car bombs and sabotage. Other countries constantly interefere
in our internal afairs, and we are subjected to interantional sanctions.
In regards to Usama bin Ladin, he was once championed as a mujahid,
but now hew has become a "terrorist." The real issure is not terrorism,
struggle inprogrss between Islam and kufr. There are logical solutions
to all problems, but America is not interested in hearing them.
Q: They claim that the soil of the Islamic Emirate is being utilized
for training terrorists, who then carry out operations in other parts
of the world. How do you respond to that?
A: There are no terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, and we do
not permit any individual or organization to uses our soil as a base
of operations against any country. We want security and stability for
all nations of the world. The IEA assures the international community
that it will not allow Afghan soil to be made a base for any terrorist
action against anyone.
Q: America attacked Afghanistan with cruise misslies, claiming the
right of self-defense against terrorists.Do you forsee future srikes,
and if America struck again, how would the IEA respond?
A: We don't expect the American government to repeat such illegal actions,
actions that violate all international norms of conduct, as well as
as the charter of the UN. But if America were to decide to attack again,
then that would be their. It is our advice to them to consider the consequences
of their actions.
For more information about this article, post your
query on our discussion
board.
