From 1996 to 2001 the Taliban ruled most of Afghanistan. In 2001 they were removed from power through military effort by both Northern Alliance and NATO countries and now engage in guerrilla warfare. They were only acknowledged with diplomatic recognition by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. They enforced an extremely strict interpretation of Sharia laws, which were exceptionally confining to women. Violation of the Taliban laws often resulted in ones execution.
Among the Taliban's numerous indiscretions is the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan, two towering statues of Buddha carved into the cliffside. At 125 and 175 feet tall and over 2,500 years old this act was condemned by nearly the entire remainder of the world. The reasons for the demolition were not immediately clear. Although a decree was made several years later declaring that all representations of humans and idols were to be destroyed since idol worship violates Islamic law. It also seemed to be a part of the Taliban's efforts to eradicate any "un-islamic" portions of society. All such imagery was soon prohibited, including music, sports, and television.
Whether or not they agreed with the religious aspects of the statues it really bothers me that they also had no regard for the history behind them. They were a group that used religion to back up their radical actions. This is the type of thing that gives religion a bad name. What gives them the right not to allow women to be educated or express themselves, or freedom of religion, or the existence of ancient artwork?
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2 comments:
I agree. Any group, not just religious groups, that takes its beliefs to that extreme is not good for society. The actions of the Taliban make people not only more cautious about religion, but it also makes many ignorant people hateful towards those who follow Islam. Instead of promoting the Islamic religion, the Taliban's actions are just causing more harm than good.
...and now you know why I can't find Waldo.
How very relative for our study of Islam, Katie! Actually your point is a very very good one. There are radicals in every religion that label the whole religion and group it together. People hear about the extremists, the ones that cause trouble or inflict harm on others. How sad that something that can be so beautiful has such an awful cloud hanging over it.
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