8am: The Taliban’s ethnocentrism is undeniable. This group heavily relies on ethnic factors in its appointments. Currently, the majority of government office employees belong to one ethnic group. Even when people visit government offices, they are forced to speak Pashto with the staff, or else their concerns may not be addressed. It may be unbelievable that Taliban police treat roadside vendors based on their ethnicity and language. A non-Pashto-speaking vendor in one of Kabul’s areas was delighted to show proficiency in Pashto, and when conversing with a Taliban fighter in Pashto, he was allowed to continue his work without harassment and was even permitted to sell his goods. Click here to read more (external link).