“A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS” by Khaled Hosseini

September 1996

“The Talibans are here.”

“The following day, Kabul was overrun by trucks.
Armed bearded men in black turbans sat in their beds. From each truck, a loudspeaker blared announcements, first in Farsi, then Pashto.
The message was also written in flyers, tossed into the streets.

All citizens must pray five times a day. If it is prayer time and you are caught doing something other, you will be beaten.

All men will grow their beards. The correct length is at least one clenched fist beneath the chin. If you do not abide by this, you will be beaten.

All boys will wear turbans. All boys will wear Islamic clothes. Shirt collars will be buttoned.

Singing is forbidden.

Dancing is forbidden.

Playing cards, playing chess, gambling and kite flying are forbidden.

Writing books, watching films, and painting pictures are forbidden.

Attention women:

You will stay inside your homes at all times. It is not proper for women to wander aimlessly about the streets. 
If you go outside, you must be accompanied by a mahram, a male relative. 
If you are caught alone on the street, you will be beaten and sent home.

You will not, under any circumstances, show your face.
You will cover with burqa when outside.
If you do not, you will be severely beaten.

Cosmetics are forbidden.

Jewelry is forbidden.

You will not wear charming clothes.

You will not speak unless spoken to.

You will not make eye contact with men.

You will not laugh in public. If you do, you will be beaten.

You will not paint your nails. If you do you will loose a finger.

Girls are forbidden from attending schools. All schools for girls will be closed immediately.

Women are forbidden from working.

If you are found guilty of adultery, you will be stoned to death.

Listen. Listen well. Obey. Allah-u-akbar.”

Publisher: Bloommsbury, 2007