Monday, October 27, 2008

Afghan sovereigns start new trends

October 26, 1928

King Amanulla and Queen Siriya have recently returned to Kabul after a successful visit to Western Europe. The king and his government are now beginning to make changes that will affect all citizens of his country. Numerous reforms are being implemented in the country and include compulsory education for boys and girls between the ages of 6-11. In discussing the new social reforms with an Indian reporter, the king said he was adhering to the true principles of the Koran, "the spirit of which had been perverted by unauthorized priests."
The king says he wants to carry out the true doctrines of the Koran. He has abolished Purdah in Kabul and the provinces. However, in the provinces, many of the priests had protested over this change, and the king decided "that the provincials could do as they pleased."
The king has also established public libraries and factories, and has encouraged reform for municipalities and the judiciary. Western dress is also allowed.
However, the king recently fired the Prime Minister, and "proclaimed himself as Head of Government "a la Mussolini.""

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