On Canadian television, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam Monsef, called the Taliban “our brothers” – a qualifier that has caused a wide controversy in Canada.
On the video, we clearly see Maryam Monsef hesitate, before deciding. And for good reason: On Tuesday, August 24, during an insert on Canadian television, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality used a term at the very least controversial, when discussing the situation in Afghanistan.
“I want to take this opportunity to talk about our brothers, the Taliban. We ask you to ensure the safe evacuation of all those who want to leave Afghanistan.” Obviously, to use an expression so lovingly for the Taliban Islamist terrorist organization, immediately caused a scandal in Canada. Especially when the flattery comes from the Minister for Women.
“The Trudeau government used totally unacceptable language. After six months of inaction by the Trudeau government, there are thousands of Afghans in danger because of their support for our country,” replied Erin O’Toole, leader of the conservative opposition in the government. The latter was even forced to comment on the matter, declaring that he had “nothing to add” to the explanations of his minister, and that he intended “to continue [to be] very firm on the Taliban”.
Earlier on Wednesday, August 25, Maryam Monsef had indeed explained her statement, presenting the name “our brothers” as a “cultural reference”. Born in Iran, Maryam Monsef has dual Canadian and Afghan nationality, after both of her parents moved to Canada in 1996.