Union of Muslim Scholars calls for unity in Afghanistan 

The International Union of Muslim Scholars yesterday said it was mulling what it could offer to the new leadership in Afghanistan.

The union’s chief, Ahmad Al-Raysuni, said in a statement that the body was “comfortable with the recent changes that took place in the recent weeks in Afghanistan.”

Al-Raysuni hailed what he described as the “Taliban’s steps, showing tolerance and amnesty,” noting that he was “optimistic about the new phase of conciliatory, tolerant and cooperative atmosphere.”

“In this new phase, Afghanistan needs all its people to unite,” the union’s leader stressed. “We hope to see all sects, regions, and races in Afghanistan cohesive, united by Islam and united by the Afghan interest,” he said.

The Moroccan clerk called for “building solid institutions for the modern Afghan state, based on consultation and involving everyone, and based on credibility and the representation of the Afghan people without exclusion or exceptions.”

The Taliban took control of the Afghan capital Kabul and the presidential palace on Sunday after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Many fear that their return to power after 20 years of the US-led occupation could see the end to women’s rights and a return to an oppressive society.

Taliban declares end of foreign occupation of Afghanistan