Taliban: Executions and strict punishments will return

Strict punishments such as hand amputations and executions will return in Afghanistan, one of the Taliban's founders said in an interview with the Associated Press.

Why it matters: Despite attempting to project a new image, the Taliban remain committed to a hard-line, conservative ideology, including harsh ruling tactics.

Details: Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, who was the justice minister and oversaw religious policing during the Taliban's previous rule, said that while judges will adjudicate cases, the Quran will be the foundation of laws in Afghanistan, per AP.

Turabi added that the government is studying whether...