Afghanistan: Taliban Bans Chess Citing Religious Concerns
Above:Â A man playing chess in a tournament in Kandahar in June 2022. Â Image copyright:Â Javed Tanveer/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The chess ban represents another step in protecting Islamic values and maintaining moral standards in Afghan society. The game's potential connection to gambling is incompatible with Sharia law principles. The suspension allows proper religious authorities to evaluate and ensure that all recreational activities align with Islamic teachings.
Government-critical narrative
This is yet another example of the Taliban's systematic dismantling of social and recreational activities that Afghan citizens previously enjoyed. The game is widely played in other Muslim-majority countries without religious concerns, and the ban primarily serves to further restrict already limited entertainment options for young people while hurting local businesses.