Michael Semple, a former Deputy Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan, has claimed that Taliban leaders are "materialistic" and have sought second and third marriages since coming to power.
Semple asserted that the Taliban, after their return to power in Afghanistan, have not only failed to reform but have also become increasingly corrupt. In the interview conducted on Saturday, 10 August, with Afghanistan International, he highlighted the group’s monopolistic tendencies, corruption, and lack of internal cohesion.
Discussing the similarities and differences between the Taliban's first and second regimes, Semple noted that the group has not changed significantly, particularly in terms of its political and cultural policies. He explained that the concentration of power, which was evident during the leadership of Mullah Omar, the Taliban’s first leader, continues under the current leader, Mullah Hibatullah.
According to Semple, the practice of "obedience to the Amir" was prevalent during the first Taliban regime and remains in place today, with Hibatullah wielding absolute authority. He observed that the only significant difference between the two periods is the age of the Taliban leaders. "The first Taliban regime was led by young men, but now, 20 years later, power is in the hands of 'grey-bearded' elders," Semple remarked.
Semple believes that over the past two decades, the Taliban have not reformed but have instead become more corrupt. Commenting on the group’s internal unity, he said that the Taliban try hard to present themselves as united, but looking at the group closely, a very different picture emerges.
He further alleged, "Since coming to power, Taliban leaders have taken second and third wives, seized land, acquired multiple luxurious homes, engaged in salary-related corruption, and extorted money."
Semple also questioned the Taliban's claims of religious legitimacy, stating that no one believes that the current regime is based on Islamic principles and Sharia.
