Taliban's Constitution

KABUL — Laying down a code of conduct for its fighters, the Afghan Taliban has issued a book restricting the use of suicide bombings and guiding fighters on how to act on hostages and win hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

"A brave son of Islam should not be used for lower and useless targets," says the book obtained by the Doha-based Aljazeera television on Monday, July 27.

The book, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Rules for Mujahideen", says that Taliban fighters should avoid civilian casualties while launching attacks.

"The utmost effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties."

The suicide bombings are one of the most effective means the Taliban fighters are using against the US-led foreign troops.

On Saturday, seven suicide bombers tried to storm the eastern city of Khost, killing one civilian and wounding several others.

"Governors, district chiefs and line commanders and every member of the Mujahideen must do their best to avoid civilian deaths, civilian injuries and damage to civilian property," says the book.

"Great care must be taken."

The Taliban was ousted by the US following the 9/11 attacks to topple the group and its ally Al-Qaeda.

Since then, Taliban has been engaged in a protracted guerilla war against the US-led foreign troops, which left thousands of people dead.

Captives

The 13-chapter book also sets rules for Taliban fighters on how to deal with the West-backed Afghan government.

"Every Muslim can invite anyone working for the slave government in Kabul to leave their job, and cut their relationship with this corrupt administration," it says.

"If the person accepts, then with the permission of the provincial and district leadership, a guarantee of safety can be given."

The guideline gives Taliban leader Mullah Omar the full authority to decide on the fate of its captives.

"Whenever any official, soldier, contractor or worker of the slave government is captured, these prisoners cannot be attacked or harmed," says the book.

"The decision on whether to seek a prisoner exchange, or to release the prisoner, with a strong guarantee, will be made by the provincial leader.

"Releasing prisoners in exchange for money is strictly prohibited.

"If the prisoner is a director, commander or district chief or higher, the decision on whether to harm, kill, release or forgive them is only made by the Imam or deputy Imam."

On captured foreign troops, the book says the Taliban leader or his deputy has the full authority to decide on his fate.

"If a military infidel is captured, the decision on whether to kill, release or exchange the hostage is only to be made by the Imam or deputy Imam."

Taliban is holding hostage a US soldier, who was captured earlier this month.

Unity

The Taliban book also bans the formation of new armed groups in the central Asian Muslim country.

"Creating a new mujahideen group or battalion is forbidden," says the book.

"If unofficial groups or irregular battalions refuse to join the formal structure they should be disbanded.

"If a governor or leader has in the past had a unit or active group in another province, they should bring it to the attention of the leader of that province. That leader should then take over command of the group."

Taliban commanders have so far had a fair degree of autonomy, often deciding what operations to conduct and how to run the territory that they control.

The book also urges Taliban fighters to seek to win the hearts and minds of the local Afghan population.

"The Mujahideen have to behave well and show proper treatment to the nation, in order to bring the hearts of civilian Muslims closer to them.

"The mujahideen must avoid discrimination based on tribal roots, language or their geographic background."