The Taliban Is Currently 'Image Making'... From Ice Cream to Luxury Goods, Sparking Buzz

Interpreted as an Intention to Be Recognized as a Normal Country

This shows the Taliban wearing luxury goods and the Taliban eating ice cream (from left). / Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The Islamic militant group Taliban, which has taken control of Afghanistan (Afgan), is drawing attention for its efforts to 'rebrand' itself through its social networking services (SNS).

Having reasserted control over Afgan after 20 years, the Taliban posted images on their SNS showing themselves working out at the gym and eating ice cream. In another photo, the Taliban attracted netizens' attention by wearing a Gucci dress, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a Supreme hairband, and Asics sneakers.

Foreign media have reported that these efforts emphasize changing the image of oppressing ethnic minorities and women, calling this phenomenon 'Taliban 2.0.'

The background to the Taliban showing a changed image, having previously focused on combat and religious issues, is interpreted as an intention to gain recognition from the international community as a normal state. Although they have retaken Afgan, the economic situation is severe, and normal state operations are difficult without international cooperation.

Earlier on the 23rd, Abdul Kahar Balkhi, an official of the Taliban's cultural committee responsible for external publicity, revealed the preparations for the new government in an interview via text message with Yonhap News Agency, stating, "We hope to be recognized as the legitimate representative government of Afgan not only by Korea but by the entire world."

Abdul Kahar Balkhi, an official of the Taliban's Cultural Commission. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, although the Taliban also stated that they "will respect women's human rights," foreign media remain skeptical of these changes as cases of women's rights suppression continue to emerge.

According to Fox News, on the 18th, a woman in Takhar Province, Afgan, who went out without a burqa, was shot and died covered in blood. Earlier, Taliban political spokesperson Suhail Shahin said in an interview with British Sky News, "Women will not need to wear a full-body covering burqa," but photos of a woman who did not wear a burqa being shot by the Taliban have spread, drawing international criticism.

In another city, footage was captured showing the Taliban threatening a woman who went out to buy groceries without wearing a burqa, forcing her back into her home.