Halimi was instructed to dismiss all male teachers at girls' schools and replace them with women, as militants believed that men should not teach girls. The government complied with this directive to avoid giving the militants a reason to forcibly close the schools. Unfortunately, even Farah's schools were not exempt from this decision. Last month, two girls' schools just outside Farah city were set on fire by armed men on motorcycles on two consecutive nights. The schools suffered significant damage and the teaching materials inside were destroyed, resulting in the suspension of classes for nearly 1,700 girls. Graffiti reading "Long live the Islamic Emirate" was found on a nearby wall, indicating the involvement of the Taliban. According to police spokesman Muhibullah Muhib, four other girls' schools in the province have been targeted in recent months. These attacks have not only instilled fear in teachers, students, and their families, but have also reignited concerns about a potential resurgence of Taliban rule as peace negotiations between the militants and the United States are ongoing. Prior to 2001, the Taliban government prohibited girls' education and kept women confined to their homes. However, there has been progress since then, with over 3.6 million Afghan girls now attending school and 100,000 women enrolled in universities. Despite this, there has been a recent increase in school closures due to security concerns, including armed conflicts and threats from the Taliban. The bombings in Farah highlighted the fears of Afghan women that any future government involving the Taliban could lead to a regression in girls' education rights, despite assurances from Taliban leaders in Qatar about respecting women's rights under Islamic law. Sosan Aubi, 38, who works as a teacher at a school that was burned down recently, expressed her disappointment in the aftermath of the explosion, despite feeling optimistic about peace talks in Qatar. Nayab Khan, a village grocer, voiced his lack of trust in the Taliban's promises, especially after his sisters and daughters were affected by the attack on the schools. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, denied any involvement in the attacks and assured that the militants would take action against those responsible. Mujahid stated that if schools were to reopen, there would be no threat from their side. However, residents in the area noted that the schools were located in Taliban-controlled areas and government officials had not been able to assess the damage. Dadullah Qani, a member of the Farah provincial council, expressed concern that the attacks indicated the government was losing control of the province, saying that the security situation was worsening daily. Provincial government officials and village elders have stated that both the government and ordinary people are unable to prevent attacks. The attacks have revealed a division among the Taliban, with some civil authorities supporting girls' education while some military commanders oppose it. The Taliban have established shadow governments in areas they control, where they collect taxes and oversee daily operations. Village elders have met with government officials to request the rebuilding of schools, but were informed that the government is unable to help and were advised to speak with local Taliban leaders. Halimi mentioned that a group of approximately 50 villagers was contemplating the idea of restarting classes in tents on a temporary basis. According to local residents, Taliban education officials had reached out to school leaders in the province to discuss the possibility of reopening schools, but requested some time to negotiate with Taliban military commanders. Mohammad Azimi, the provincial education director, stated that he had requested assistance from parents and students in reopening the schools. The Sher Ali Khan school in the village of Naw Deh, located around 8 miles from Farah city, had its windows shattered and walls damaged. Inside, burnt desks and school papers were scattered all over. A plaque at the entrance of the school displayed both Afghan and American flags, along with a message indicating that the U.S. Agency for International Development had assisted in the construction of the school in 2005. The U.S. flag on the plaque had been partially scratched out. Abdul Rahman, the school principal, reported that a group of five armed men wearing masks had tied up the night watchman, poured fuel inside the school, and set it on fire on the night of April 15. Additionally, they detonated a small explosive device in the school office. The U.S. Agency for International Development's office in Kabul stated that they were not currently funding the school, but it may have been a past project. School records, student supplies, and academic textbooks were destroyed in the attack, but Islamic religious texts were left untouched, according to Rahman. Rahman expressed concern that the girls are now fearful, and even if the school reopens, they may not return. Abdul Hamid Haidari, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, shared that his three daughters attended Sher Ali Khan school. He mentioned that his daughter Roya, 18, had plans to graduate and become a teacher, but those plans are now uncertain due to her school transcripts being lost in the fire. Haidari added that Roya and her sisters were devastated upon hearing about the attack. He expressed his determination to provide education for his children, including his daughters and four sons, and mentioned that he had made sacrifices to enroll them in schools despite the unstable security conditions. He had hoped that peace talks would improve the situation, but after their school was destroyed, he felt less optimistic. Qani, a member of the provincial council, spoke about the atmosphere of fear and distrust following the attacks on schools. He noted that the attacks may have achieved their goal, as many parents are now hesitant to send their daughters back to school, even if they reopen. Qani mentioned that school buildings are being blown up today. "Will students be attacked by them tomorrow?" - Source: New York Times News Service, 2019