(Toronto Star) Canada’s minister for women and gender equality, Maryam Monsef, faced a torrent of criticism Wednesday after she referred to the Taliban as “our brothers” in a plea to ensure safe passage for thousands looking to flee Afghanistan.
The “cultural reference” to the new regime drew criticism from some, amid ongoing scrutiny of Canada’s response to the Afghan crisis.
The Taliban have swept Afghanistan in recent weeks and Canada, along with its allies, have been rushing to help scores of people there escape what’s feared to be a violent and oppressive new regime.
The Liberals have been dealing with the crisis in Afghanistan since the beginning of the federal election campaign and have faced questions daily about efforts to help people flee.
