Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- A delegation of Bangladeshi politicians, led by Mamunul Haque of the Khelafat Majlish, has just returned from Afghanistan. They expressed token concern over restrictions on women's education but also praised what they called the Taliban's achievements in "security, development, and justice."

Let's be clear: this was a state-staged tour. These men saw only what their hosts wanted them to see, and they dutifully echoed it. But because Bangladesh itself is sliding toward religion-based governance, it is essential to look beyond propaganda and confront what Taliban rule actually means.

Women as the Measure of Civilization

Half of every nation is female; the condition of women is the clearest measure of progress or decline...