Taleban firmly in charge on 9/11 ’versary

Taleban firmly in charge on 9/11 ’versary

KABUL: Afghanistan marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in muted fashion yesterday with the Taleban firmly in charge, two decades after being ousted for hosting the architects of the US attacks. The hardline Islamists retook power on Aug 15, after a lightning offensive that capitalized on the chaotic last weeks of the 20-year US-led occupation that followed the 2001 attacks.

In a sign that things were returning to normal, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) said it would resume flights to Kabul from tomorrow, the first foreign commercial service since the Taleban seized power last month. And in a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt, hundreds of fully veiled women staged a rally at a Kabul university to profess support for the Taleban, just days after public protests against their rule were banned.

Unconfirmed reports had circulated all week that the Taleban may use the Sept 11 anniversary to swear in their new government, but the day unfolded without formal recognition. “This is a day for America, not for Afghanistan,” said Muhammad Alzoad, a bank clerk. “This was nothing to do with Afghanistan, but it made us suffer.”

Taleban fighters have violently put down protests that broke out against their rule in Kabul and elsewhere in recent