Time for image change: Taliban release book

With Afghanistan inching close to elections, the Taliban is going for an image change. The extremist group's commanders rule the territory they have in control, but hardly follow a uniform code of conduct.

But now, their leader Mullah Omar wants to change all that.

A Taliban spokesman told the news channel Al Jazeera that Omar wants to centralise the way Taliban is run and all the Taliban fighters have been issued with a new regulations highlighting the structure, organisation and mission of the group.

The media channel got access to a pocket book of new Taliban code titled Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan: Rules for Mujahideen issued in the name of Mullah Omar.

The book clearly says that forming new Mujahideen groups is forbidden and if amateur groups or battalions refuse to join the formal structure they should be disbanded.

The book also gives out rules on suicide attacks, which say, "Suicide attacks should only be carried on important targets. A brave son of Islam should not be wasted on minor or useless targets. Most care should be taken to avoid civilian deaths."

The new codes also give clear guidelines on taking hostages. "Whenever any official, soldier, contractor or worker of slave government is captured, they cannot be harmed. Decision to release
the prisoner with strong guarantee will be made by provincial leader. Releasing hostages for money is strictly prohibited," the book says.

Last month, the Taliban released video of a 22-year-old US soldier kept as hostage.

According to new rules on military prisoners mentioned in the book, if military infidel is captured the decision to kill, release, or exchange the hostage will rest with imam (Mullah Omar) or deputy imam.

The book of regulations also goes on to admonish that a Mujahideen must behave well and show proper treatment to the nation to win hearts of civilian Muslims. The Mujahideen should not discriminate on the basis of tribe, language or geographical origin.

Experts say that with Afghanistan elections round the corner, the timing of the release of Taliban regulations is significant. While the leaders contesting the polls are themselves releasing their manifestos, Taliban is also trying to get closer to Afghan public.