Afghanistan's universities are undergoing a significant ideological shift as the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education has mandated the removal of 679 book titles. This directive, targeting a wide array of academic fields including law, social sciences, Sharia, journalism, economics, and sociology, signifies a profound alteration of the nation's educational landscape.
The prohibited materials encompass foundational texts on Afghan law, women's rights, democracy, and the societal roles of women. Discussions on historical analyses, ethical considerations, and the origins of sin and immorality are also included in the ban. These books were reportedly utilized as required or reference texts across various university departments, indicating a systematic effort to curate the intellectual environment.
This action follows a broader policy initiated in December 2023, when the Ministry of Higher Education previously requested the removal of books deemed contrary to "Hanafi jurisprudence" and "ideological" content, advocating for the inclusion of texts on "Sirat Nabavi" (Prophetic biography). This latest move intensifies the ideological control over higher education, aiming to shape students' intellectual development according to the regime's strict worldview.
Naser al-Allah Stanekzai, a senior advisor at Kabul University, suggested that these removals might stem from a lack of available alternatives. In contrast, Fiazullah Jalal, a professor at the same institution, expressed grave concern, warning that such actions could regress Afghan students' academic progress by a century, highlighting the potential impact on academic freedom and educational quality.
The Taliban's approach to higher education has been characterized by a systematic effort to "Islamize" and "ideologize" the curriculum. This involves increasing the number of Islamic studies courses and eliminating content perceived as Western-influenced. Reports indicate that 18 subjects have been removed entirely, with an additional 201 undergoing review for potential revision. This strategy aims to foster a controlled intellectual environment, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforcing the regime's ideology.
The consequences of such intellectual pruning could diminish the global competitiveness of Afghan graduates and stifle critical thinking. This trend of censorship is not unprecedented; during the Taliban's previous rule from 1996 to 2001, a similar campaign to "Islamicize" education led to the purging of many social science disciplines. The current actions, however, occur within a context where the Taliban have also banned women from attending universities, further restricting access to knowledge and opportunities for a significant portion of the population.
The international community has expressed deep concern, with some warning that such gender persecution could be considered a crime against humanity and may have repercussions for international engagement with the Taliban.