Top posts for jihadists
The other appointments include Mullah Yaqoob as acting defence minister, Amir
Khan Muttaqi as acting foreign minister, and Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi as a second deputy. Yaqoob is the son of former supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar who refused to give up Osama bin Laden to the US before the 2001 invasion.
‘‘The Taliban want good relations with all countries in the world, including the US,’’ spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said at a press conference in Kabul on Tuesday. He called the cabinet a "diverse group" that included a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds, although no women were chosen.
"We're not a tribal force," Mujahed said, adding that the group wanted good relations with the US despite the war. "We hope all countries in the world will recognize the legitimacy of our government and our Islamic regime."
The US and its allies have been waiting to see whether the Taliban would form an inclusive government that can stabilize the country and prevent a return to civil war. At a briefing on Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said she didn't have a timeline for when the U.S. would recognize the new Taliban government and was still working to evacuate remaining Americans.
The Taliban spokesperson made no mention of Taliban Supreme Commander Haibatullah Akhundzada, who hasn't been seen in public since becoming the group's leader in 2016.
Addressing the media, Mujahid further said, “We have named ministers only for ministries that are needed right now. In due course, we will announce names for the other ministries. We have a clear view and policy."
Possibly reacting to protests in Kabul and elsewhere, he said: ‘‘We have right now come out of turmoil. The situation is not ideal for demonstrations. These demonstrations violate the security of the country. I urge protesters not to carry out demonstrations during these days."