Hopes were dashed: Almost a year after taking over Afghanistan, the Taliban decided to restore the strict dress code on women as they were in force in the 1990s when it first ruled the country.
The supreme leader of the organization, the Yibtullah Akhunzadeh, ordered a new regulation requiring all women in the country to wear a burqa - that is, a body and head covering that allows only minimal vision through a net - and imposes on the men in her family to enforce it.
In doing so, the organization is merely dismissing the possibility that the relatively moderate currents will set the agenda in the country, and allow the continuation of the existing middle ground where women can actually go with a minimal head covering that does not cover the face.
The announcement was officially published by the Ministry of Prevention and Ethics and the Promotion of the Government's values.
Although officially this is a "guideline" the various sections teach about the consequences of not following it.
The first time a woman is caught without a burqa the authorities will pay a visit to her home and ask her husband, brother or father.
The second time, the man who trusts her will be summoned to the office for a reprimand call.
And for the third time - he will stand trial and may even be sent to a three-day prison sentence.
According to the wording of the directive only women "too young and too old" will be exempt.
It is estimated that some 20 million women and girls will from now on actually be under the close supervision of the men in the family in this field.
This is another blow to women, after the Taliban recently withdrew its intention to integrate them into educational institutions in upper secondary schools as well, and they will be forced to study at home until further notice.
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