On Tuesday, the US State Dept. announced that the Taliban had released two US nationals who had been detained in Afghanistan.
According to State Dept. spokesman Ned Price, the releases were a “goodwill gesture” that didn't include the exchange of funds or a prisoner swap.
In a clear attempt to create a cushion in the aftermath of its latest assault on women's rights, the Taliban is seeking to appease the US. A futile move that won't distract from the way it's treating women. The global community cannot recognize the Taliban as legitimate until they respect the human rights of all Afghans.
The Taliban is committed to respecting women's rights as defined by the Islamic Sharia laws, not by secular customs imposed by the so-called international community. Female students will be allowed access to formal education once a decent cultural and religious environment has been created in Afghanistan.