No girls, women at schools

Amid rising concerns over the future of Afghanistan under the Taliban, the country’s new Islamist rulers have ordered boys, but not girls, and male teachers, but no women teachers, to return to high school and resume classes. The order has underscored fears that the Taliban might again impose restrictions on girls and women. Since taking power, it has allowed some girls to resume their education, but in gender-segregated classes. Yesterday’s order goes against earlier promises by the Islamists to guarantee girls equal access to education, and harks back to their harsh rule in the 1990s. The Taliban has only allowed women back to work in the health sector and as primary school teachers.