Taliban offer restraint ... but all the signs suggest that it’s only for show

The regime's attempts to appear tolerant will not reassure those with a long memory

The first time the Taliban took Kabul, 25 years ago they tortured and killed former President Mohammad Najibullah, dragged his body behind a truck through the streets, then hung it from a lamp-post.

Last week, with Kabul surrounded and a second victory almost inevitable, the Taliban ordered their troops to hold back from entering the city, to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. When they did march in, it was to a soundtrack of their commanders offering an amnesty" for anyone who had opposed them over the last two decades.