Afghan Taliban hold clerics’ assembly, aiming to boost rule

By RAHIM FAIEZ
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers are holding a gathering of some 3,000 Islamic clerics and tribal elders for the first time since seizing power in August. Taliban officials urged the gathering to advise them on running the country. No women were invited to Thursday’s gathering in Kabul, which appeared to be overwhelmingly attended by pro-Taliban figures. The Taliban are under international pressure to be more inclusive in their rule, including allowing women’s participation. But the gathering, which is to last three days, appeared more aimed at bolstering support for the Taliban as they struggle to deal with Afghanistan’s multiple humanitarian crises.