Mon Mar 31 01:46:23 UTC 2025: ## Taliban Leader Declares End of Democracy in Afghanistan, Rejects Western Laws
**Kabul, Afghanistan –** Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has declared an end to democracy in Afghanistan, asserting that sharia law is the sole governing principle and rejecting the influence of Western legal systems. In a sermon delivered on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, marking Eid Al-Fitr, Akhundzada stated that Afghanistan will create its own laws, independent of Western influence. The 50-minute audio message, released on X by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, further criticized the West, alleging a united front against Islam. The leader cited the recent Israel-Hamas conflict as evidence of this alleged hostility.
Akhundzada’s pronouncements solidify the Taliban’s hardline stance, which has resulted in the severe restriction of women’s rights, excluding them from education, employment, and public life. These policies have led to significant international isolation, despite the establishment of diplomatic ties with some countries like China and the UAE. While some within the Taliban administration have reportedly voiced concerns about the concentration of power and the regime’s harsh policies, Akhundzada’s strong leadership has cemented the current trajectory.
Despite the lack of credible opposition, some within the Taliban favor increased international engagement and a softening of restrictive policies to garner greater foreign support. However, recent interactions between the Taliban and the United States under President Donald Trump have largely focused on prisoner exchanges. The ongoing situation continues to raise significant human rights concerns and poses a challenge to the international community.
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