The Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, on Thursday, gave an off-the-cuff, but measured interview to Voice of America, in which he called their frozen assets the “Afghan people’s bread and butter,” and the freezing of their assets, an injustice. He added that they are negotiating with the United States over the matter. He indicated that the US is balking over expressed concerns for the rights of women, even though they have assured the US that the plans for education and treatment of women are being worked out. Islamic scholars have been tasked with updating arrangements consistent with the religion, that respect the safety and minds of women at work and school.
Otherwise, he gave reason for optimism: “China is a neighbor and has a strong economy. We are trying to develop trade and economic relations” with them. They will invest billions, he said, and he mentioned the Mes Aynak copper mines in particular. We don’t want them to interfere in our internal matters, and “they want security for their workers and their assets.”
