There was once a great book, long ago
Written by a man named Nicolo.
  Called "The Prince", it explained
  What steps must be maintained
To keep citizens under your toe.

To most people today it would seem
That such ruthless acts are too extreme.
  But a reign based on terror
  Is not seen as an error
In the Afghan Taliban regime.

They will follow Islam all the way,
Cutting down anyone who says nay.
  They established their rule
  And took over Kabul
Forcing everyone else to obey.

Islamic law is very severe
Giving good reason to live in fear.
  Any sort of transgression
  Is cause for a session
Of beatings, such as drinking beer.

Many things under their law are banned,
But thieves have the best punishment planned.
  If a burglar exists,
  He soon finds that his wrist
Has been separated from his hand.

Amputation's a harsh thing to do,
And they show it in full public view.
  They hope that the display
  Will drive people away
From immoral acts that might accrue.

Yet these judgments make most countries wary,
The Draconian rule seems too scary.
  When they start a jihad
  The phrase "mercy of god"
Is not in Afghan vocabulary.

Taliban has some past notoriety
For causing a lot of anxiety.
  Ignoring human rights,
  Trading drugs, and some nights
Helping terrorists pervade society.

For these reasons, we are hesitant
To recognize their government.
  Yet they've taken control
  Of Kabul, as a whole
And to keep power is their intent.

So it seems there must soon be a break
If the fate of the country's at stake.
  We might just recognize
  This group that we despise
For the global economy's sake.