In Afghanistan, the reign of the Taliban, between executions and poverty

By Pietro Del Re (La Repubblica)

Many of them have shortened their beards, got rid of their black tunics and now wear the camouflage uniforms of the defeated army.

There are also fewer Kalashnikovs in circulation, and they no longer squeal the wheels of their pick-up trucks as they once did.

Installed in the capital for six months, the Taliban, who have imposed themselves as the undisputed masters of Afghanistan, have had a makeover.

The euphoria of victory has passed, and even the need to assert their power by terrorizing the civilian population has faded somewhat.

Read alsoIn Afghanistan, the Taliban unable to bring order and justice

"Today, they operate on the sly, without the knowledge of the international media, in whose eyes they want to present themselves in a new, more human and responsible guise"

, explains Alì Jafari, a former civil servant, dismissed because he belongs to the Shiite Hazara minority and forced into hiding for fear of further reprisals.

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