Taliban Unveil New Afghan Government

Four days before the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that triggered the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban declared the restoration of their Islamic Emirate and named a new government, excluding other political forces and giving control of internal security to a U.S.-designated terrorist.

Afghanistan’s new administration, formed three weeks after the Taliban conquered Kabul and deposed the Afghan republic, prompting a massive exodus of foreigners and Afghans at risk, included no women or members of the Shiite minority. Its makeup, unveiled at a hastily called nighttime press conference, belied the Taliban’s repeated assurances to foreign governments and fellow Afghans that they would establish an inclusive government that represents all parts of the Afghan society.