Shiites' support to the Taliban raises questions in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Shiite Umma Party, which is headed by Jaafar Mahdavi, organized a rally on November 26 in support of the Taliban government, against all odds and despite a history of violence and hostility with the Afghanistan-ruling movement.

The rally has opened the door for speculation about new realities in relations between the Taliban and the party which represents the Shiite Hazara sect.

It also raises questions about the possible presence of a common enemy to the two sides.

Proceedings                                   

The Shiite Umma Party said over 1,000 members of Afghanistan's Hazara sect attended the rally to support the Taliban government.

The Taliban's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, attended the event along with Mahdavi who welcomed the new Taliban government.

The party head also described the period that preceded the Taliban's rule as a 'dark' one.

Mahdavi flirted with the movement, claiming that the new Taliban rulers had put an end to war, corruption and growing insecurity, when the movement took over in mid-August this year.

"Afghanistan was not independent," Mahdavi said, noting that foreign embassies had controlled decisions-making in Afghanistan before the coming of the Taliban to power.

"We thank God that this dark phase has already come to an end," the party head said.

Ayatollah Vaezzada Bahsodi, a prominent leader of the Hazara sect, called for reconciliation with the Taliban.

He stressed the need for tolerance and support for the movement and its government.

History of blood

Relations between the Taliban and the Hazara sect had been marred by enmity and blood over the years.

The sect opposed the coming to power by the Taliban in August this year.

Muhammad Karim Khalili, the former Afghan vice-president and the leader of the Hazara minority in Afghanistan, said in September this year that his sect might take up arms to defend itself against the Taliban.

He lashed out at the Taliban's interim cabinet, describing it as 'inconclusive'.

"The continuation of this process is not acceptable to other forces and ethnic groups in Afghanistan," Khalili said.

He added that the current situation would be 'untenable' for both the Tajiks and the Uzbeks.

"They may return to the battlefield together with the Hazaras," Khalili warned.