Taliban’s secretive Haqqani Network leader shows his face

Published by
Al-Araby

One of the Taliban’s most secretive leaders, whose only picture on US “most wanted” lists is a grainy semi-covered profile, was photographed openly for the first time Saturday at a passing-out parade for new Afghan police recruits. Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who also heads the feared Haqqani Network, has previously only been photographed clearly from behind — even since the hardline Islamists seized power last August. “For your satisfaction and for building your trust… I am appearing in the media in a public meeting with you,” he said in a speech at the parade. Before the Taliban…