Afghanistan: Talking to the Taliban About Life After their Occupation

In the southeastern Afghan city of Khost, the Taliban administration carries on their business across the street from the fortified, government-run city court and police station. The head of the Haqqani network's civilian administration and hi assistant hold their council in the grand mosque, also known as the Haqqani mosque, since it was built with Taliban and Arab money: A frail- looking 60-year old and his younger sidekick seem to be merely merely haggard peasants rather than members of one of the organizations most feared by Britain and America. Worshipers at the mosque greet the Haqqani representatives with a mix of reverence and anxiety, some walking in a long circle to avoid them, while others come forward and shake hands, often pledging contribution for their movement. "The resistance is stronger and bolder today", muttered an old man. "A few years ago the Taliban could move only at night". "Thanks to God, our land has been liberated, and we are able to openly fighting to protect our people, controlling our land, while the Americans can only destroy us by air." "Yes, the Taliban has made mistakes in the past, and our men still do things that annoy our people, but my job is to convey their complaints."
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