Taliban divisions deepen as Afghan women defy veil edict

The edict said only a woman’s eyes should be visible.The decree by the Taliban’s hardline leader Hibaitullah Akhunzada even suggested women shouldn’t leave their homes unless necessary and outlines a series of punishments for male relatives of women violating the code.It was a major blow to the rights of women in Afghanistan, who for two decades had been living with relative freedom before the Taliban takeover last August — when U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew in the chaotic end to a 20-year war.A reclusive leader, Akhunzada rarely travels outside southern Kandahar, the traditional Taliban heartland. Those wearing a burqa, a head-to-toe garment that covers the face and hides the eyes behind netting were in the minority.“Women in Afghanistan wear the hijab, and many wear the burqa, but this isn’t about hijab, this is about the Taliban wanting to make all women disappear,” said Shabana, who wore bright gold bangles beneath her flowing black coat, her hair hidden behind a black head scarf with sequins.