Taleban Rule Book

Firstly, I have finally come up with a better blog-name for my handsome, clever boyfriend - it emerged as a result of strange internal politics at his organisation about his job title. In the end they settled on something which makes no immediate sense to anyone outside the organisation, but he and I agreed that it would have been much simpler simply to refer to him as "the Commander". Of course the term "Commander" has rather nasty connotations of war-lordism in this country, but I like the simplicity of it as a job title, so from now until I get better inspiration he's going to be 'the Commander' on this blog. Secondly, the Commander sent me this great translation of the Taleban rule book. I'm impressed with the committment to accountability and transperance (see rule 9 and 10), to some kind of rule of law (see rules 14 and 20) and to child protection (see rule 19) but some of the others are pretty disturbing. I don't like to read over rules 24, 25 and 26 too often, but it is good to be clear on the rules that apply, I guess. Layeha (book of rules) for the Mujahideen From the highest leader of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan. Every Mujahid must abide by the following rules: 1) A Taliban commander is permitted to extend an invitation to all Afghans who support infidels so that they may convert to the true Islam. 2) We guarantee to any man who turns his back on infidels, personal security and the security of his possessions. But if he becomes involved in a dispute, or someone accuses him of something, he must submit to our judiciary. 3) Mujahideen who protect new Taliban recruits must inform their commander. 4) A convert to the Taliban, who does not behave loyally and becomes a traitor, forfeits our protection. He will be given no second chance. 5) A Mujahid who kills a new Taliban recruit forfeits our protection and will be punished according to Islamic law. 6) If a Taliban fighter wants to move to another district, he is permitted to do so, but he must first acquire the permission of his group leader. 7) A Mujahid who takes a foreign infidel as prisoner with the consent of a group leader may not exchange him for other prisoners or money. 8) A provincial, district or regional commander may not sign a contract to work for a non-governmental organization or accept money from an NGO. The Shura (the highest Taliban council) alone may determine all dealings with NGOs. 9) Taliban may not use Jihad equipment or property for personal ends. 10) Every Talib is accountable to his superiors in matters of money spending and equipment usage. 11) Mujadideen may not sell equipment, unless the provincial commander permits him to do so. 12) A group of Mujahideen may not take in Mujahideen from another group to increase their own power. This is only allowed when there are good reasons for it, such as a lack of fighters in one particular group. Then written permission must be given and the weapons of the new members must stay with their old group. 13) Weapons and equipment taken from infidels or their allies must be fairly distributed among the Mujahideen. 14) If someone who works with infidels wants to cooperate with Mujahideen, he should not be killed. If he is killed, his murderer must stand before an Islamic court. 15) A Mujahid or leader who torments an innocent person must be warned by his superiors. If he does not change his behaviour he must be thrown out of the Taliban movement. 16) It is strictly forbidden to search houses or confiscate weapons without the permission of a district or provincial commander. 17) Mujahideen have no right to confiscate money or personal possessions of civilians. 18) Mujahideen should refrain from smoking cigarettes. 19) Mujahideen are not allowed to take young boys with no facial hair onto the battlefield or into their private quarters. 20) If members of the opposition or the civil government wish to be loyal to the Taliban, we may take their conditions into consideration. A final decision must be made by the military council. 21) Anyone with a bad reputation or who has killed civilians during the Jihad may not be accepted into the Taliban movement. If the highest leader has personally forgiven him, he will remain at home in the future. 22) If a Mujahid is found guilty of a crime and his commander has barred him from the group, no other group may take him in. If he wishes to resume contact with the Taliban, he must ask forgiveness from his former group. 23) If a Mujahid is faced with a problem that is not described in this book, his commander must find a solution in consultation with the group. 24) It is forbidden to work as a teacher under the current puppet regime, because this strengthens the system of the infidels. True Muslims should apply to study with a religiously trained teacher and study in a Mosque or similar institution. Textbooks must come from the period of the Jihad or from the Taliban regime. 25) Anyone who works as a teacher for the current puppet regime must recieve a warning. If he nevertheless refuses to give up his job, he must be beaten. If the teacher still continues to instruct contrary to the principles of Islam, the district commander or a group leader must kill him. 26) Those NGOs that come to the country under the rule of the infidels must be treated as the government is treated. They have come under the guise of helping people but in fact are part of the regime. Thus we tolerate none of their activities, whether it be building of streets, bridges, clinics, schools, madrases (schools for Koran study) or other works. If a school fails to heed a warning to close, it must be burned. But all religious books must be secured beforehand. 27) As long as a person has not been convicted of espionage and punished for it, no one may take up the issue on their own. Only the district commander is in charge. Witnesses who testify in a procedure must be in good psychological condition, possess an untarnished religious reputation, and not have committed any major crime. The punishment may take place only after the conclusion of the trial. 28) No lower-level commander may interfere with contention among the populace. If an argument cannot be resolved, the district or regional commander must step in to handle the matter. The case should be discussed by religious experts (Ulema) or a council of elders (Jirga). If they find no solution, the case must be referred to well-known religious authorities. 29) Every Mujahid must post a watch, day and night. 30) The above 29 rules are obligatory. Anyone who offends this code must be judged according to the laws of the Islamic Emirates. This Book of Rules is intended for the Mujahideen who dedicate their lives to Islam and the almighty Allah. This is a complete guidebook for the progress of Jihad, and every Mujahid must keep these rules; it is the duty of every Jihadist and true believer. Signed by the highest leader of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (Editor's note: this Book of Rules was distributed initially to the 33 members of the Shura, the highest Taliban council, at their meeting during Ramadan 2006.)