Taliban Gaining International Support

To gain broader international acceptance, the Taliban must reconsider their policies and respond to the aspirations of the Afghan people, suggests Asad Mirza

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AFTER returning to power in Afghanistan following a 20-year hiatus - triggered by the hasty withdrawal of American forces - the Taliban, officially known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is witnessing renewed international interest.

Over the last four years, traditional allies like Pakistan have become adversaries, while former foes such as Russia have turned into potential partners, reflecting a diplomatic shift.

Last week, India's special envoy for Afghanistan, Anand Prakash, visited Kabul for talks with senior Taliban leaders to boost political and trade ties. Meanwhile, a Taliban delegation held discussions with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Tashkent regarding a proposed trans-Afghan rail link.

Except for China, no country has formally recognized the Taliban regime. The militant rulers have faced broad international criticism for widespread human rights violations, particularly against women and girls. However, momentum appears to be shifting in the Taliban's favor within international circles.

China became the first country to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador in January 2024. It has since advanced discussions on infrastructure and investment under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

On Friday, May 2, in an interview with Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Zamir Kabulov, Russia's Special Representative for Afghanistan, announced that Moscow is prepared to collaborate with the Taliban to combat the Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-Khorasan.

Russia has been the target of several ISIS-linked attacks in recent months. The deadliest occurred in March 2024, when gunmen opened fire at a concert hall near Moscow, killing 145 people. These events have intensified Russia's counterterrorism efforts both domestically and internationally.