Taliban name interim government, key posts for old guard

Gulf Today Report

The Taliban on Tuesday announced a caretaker cabinet that paid homage to the old guard of the group.

Top posts are given to Taliban personalities who dominated the 20-year battle against the US-led coalition and its Afghan government allies.

Taliban spokesman stressed that the new government only "acting."

Interim Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund headed the Taliban government in Kabul during the last years of its rule.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who had led talks with the United States and signed the deal that led to America’s final withdrawal from Afghanistan, will be one of two deputies to Akhund.

Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi will be the other deputy to Akhund.

Amir Khan Muttaqi has been appointed as acting Foreign Minister.

Abas Stanikzai is acting Deputy Foreign Minister.

Mullah Yaqoob appointed as acting Defence Minister.

Sarajuddin Haqqani is appointed acting Interior Minister.

Mawlavi Abdul Hakim Sharie will be Justice Minister.

Mullah Noorullah Noor named as Borders and Tribal Affairs Minister.

Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq will be the Head of Intelligence.

Mullah Hedayatullah is the acting Badri Finance Minister.

Qari Din Mohammed Hanif will be Economy Minister.

Haji Mohammed Idris named Central Bank Governor.

Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor will be acting Energy & Water Minister.

Mullah Younus Akhundzada is named Rural Rehabilitation Minister.

Mullah Abdul Manan Omari is Public Works Minister.

Mullah Mohammed Esa Akhund will look after Mines and Petroleum.

Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwah will be Culture & Information Minister.

There was no evidence of non-Taliban in the lineup, a big demand of the international community.