Shortly after America’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, ordered an end to school for girls beyond elementary school. (And even some of the elementary schools were closed to them later.) But the Wall Street Journal is reporting this week that his plans haven’t worked out entirely as he had hoped. Akhundzada is getting some pushback from his own people, including some high-ranking members of the Taliban. And there have been secret schools popping up around the country where girls are allowed to complete their education, despite the Supreme Leader’s attempts to have them shut down. This could turn out to be a rare positive sign of progress, but the people operating the schools still face significant danger if they are discovered. (Subscription required)Read More
Afghanistan’s secret schools for girls
