Afghanistan

This is a leather strap that was used by the Taliban Minister of Vice and Virtue. When the Taliban were in control of Kabul, the Minister would walk the streets and, if he noticed a minor violation of Sharia law, it could result in a swat with the strap. We were told violations might include improper length of beards for men and uncovered skin for women. After the Taliban were removed from the city, CNN interviewed government officials in Kabul about the Taliban and their use of the leather strap. When the interview was over, CNN International reporter, Matthew Chance, asked for the strap and then, graciously, let me add it to the collection.