KABUL, Afghanistan - The Taliban has blown up the statue of a Shiite militia leader who fought against the group during Afghanistan’s civil war in the 1990s, according to photos circulating on Wednesday, sowing further doubt about its claims to have become more moderate.The insurgents' every action in their sudden sweep to power is being watched closely.
They insist they have changed and won’t impose the same draconian restrictions they did when they last ruled Afghanistan, all but eliminating women’s rights, carrying out public executions and banning television and music.They also promised not to seek revenge against those who have opposed them.But many Afghans remain deeply skeptical, and thousands are racing to the airport and borders to.