Taliban’s 3 Year Rule: Challenges and Imperatives for Recognition

Mohsin Durrani

“Pakistan condemned the “reprehensible disrespect” for the country’s national anthem by an Afghan diplomat, who decided to remain seated when the anthem was played at a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government event on Tuesday, sparking an uproar on social and mainstream media” Dawn. Be it the Taliban or its predecessors disrespect and flouting diplomatic norms seem to have become the norms for the Afghan rulers. So let’s review what the what the Taliban have been up to since taking over Afghanistan.

Be it the Taliban or its predecessors disrespect and flouting diplomatic norms seem to have become the norms for the Afghan rulers.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the region has been grappling with significant security, political, and humanitarian challenges. The U.S. and NATO withdrawal left a vacuum that the Taliban quickly filled, establishing a government that remains unrecognized by any foreign state or international institution. For Pakistan, the resurgence of the Taliban has brought a mixed bag of opportunities and threats, especially concerning the persistent issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State of the Khorasan Province (ISKP), which seem to be thriving under the Taliban’s watch. As the Taliban seek recognition on the global stage, they must address two critical issues: dismantling the TTP, ISKP network and respecting the rights and dignity of Afghan women. Failure to do so not only risks regional stability but also fuels global Islamophobic narratives that unfairly associate Islam with oppression and militancy.

For Pakistan, the resurgence of the Taliban has brought a mixed bag of opportunities and threats, especially concerning the persistent issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State of the Khorasan Province (ISKP), which seem to be thriving under the Taliban’s watch.

Pakistan has historically maintained a complex relationship with the Taliban. During the Taliban’s rise to power in the mid-1990s and their subsequent insurgency after 2001, Pakistan provided various forms of support, including sanctuary for Taliban leaders. However, this relationship has always been fraught with tension, particularly concerning the Taliban’s reluctance to act against the India backed TTP, a militant group that has been a persistent thorn in Pakistan’s side. The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has been responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistani soil, targeting civilians, military personnel, and infrastructure. Despite the Taliban’s promises of not allowing Afghan territory to be used against other countries, the TTP continues to operate with impunity, reportedly receiving support from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The Taliban’s inability or unwillingness to dismantle the TTP network not only undermines Pakistan’s security but also complicates the Taliban’s quest for international recognition. Any regime that harbours or tolerates terrorist groups cannot expect to be accepted by the global community. For the Taliban to gain the much-sought-after recognition as the rightful rulers of Afghanistan, they must take decisive action against the TTP. This would not only secure their borders with Pakistan but also demonstrate their commitment to regional stability and counter-terrorism.

Despite the Taliban’s promises of not allowing Afghan territory to be used against other countries, the TTP continues to operate with impunity, reportedly receiving support from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Similarly, The Taliban must decisively address the ISKP menace to gain international legitimacy. The ISKP’s continued terrorism undermines Afghanistan’s stability and regional security. For the Taliban to be seen as a genuine stakeholder, they must demonstrate effective governance by eliminating ISKP’s threat. This includes robust counter-terrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and fostering regional cooperation. Only through visible and sustained efforts against ISKP can the Taliban prove their commitment to peace and security, garnering international recognition and support. A stable Afghanistan, free from ISKP’s violence, is essential for global confidence in the Taliban’s leadership.

Another significant barrier to the Taliban’s international recognition is their draconian stance on women’s rights. Since their return to power, the Taliban have implemented a series of gender-based decrees that severely limit women’s access to education, employment, and public life. These policies have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with many countries imposing sanctions and freezing Afghan assets as a result.

A stable Afghanistan, free from ISKP’s violence, is essential for global confidence in the Taliban’s leadership.

From a Pakistani perspective, the Taliban’s treatment of women is not only a moral and humanitarian issue but also a strategic blunder. Pakistan, as an Islamic republic, has long grappled with the challenge of balancing traditional values with modern governance. The Taliban’s oppressive policies towards women provide fodder for the Islamophobic propaganda machinery that seeks to paint Islam as inherently repressive. By depriving Afghan women of their basic rights in the name of Islam, the Taliban are inadvertently strengthening the hand of those who wish to demonize the religion and its followers. The Taliban’s rigid interpretation of Shariah law, which excludes women from education and public life, is not only a misrepresentation of Islamic principles but also a violation of the very rights that Islam seeks to protect.

Repatriating and rehabilitating Afghan refugees, particularly in Pakistan, is crucial for regional stability and the well-being of Afghan people. The Taliban, along with the international community, must prioritize this to ensure sustainable peace and development. The prolonged refugee crisis strains host nations and perpetuates insecurity.

The Taliban’s oppressive policies towards women provide fodder for the Islamophobic propaganda machinery that seeks to paint Islam as inherently repressive.

The United States and the European Union must expedite solutions, offering financial and logistical support. Effective repatriation programs, combined with robust rehabilitation efforts, will facilitate Afghanistan’s reconstruction and integration into the global community. Addressing this issue is imperative for regional harmony, economic growth, and the dignity of millions of displaced Afghans.

The Taliban’s road to international recognition is fraught with challenges, many of which stem from their own actions and policies. While they have brought a degree of stability to Afghanistan after years of conflict, their failure to address key issues like the TTP/ISKP presence women’s rights and economic turmoil continues to hinder their acceptance by the global community.

The Taliban’s road to international recognition is fraught with challenges, many of which stem from their own actions and policies.

By demonstrating a commitment to regional security and the protection of human rights, the Taliban can begin to shift the narrative that has long associated their rule with oppression and extremism. Only then can they hope to build a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbors. 2024 and beyond, the Afghan Taliban government must evolve into a positive contributor to the global community. Engaging in trade, fostering regional connectivity, and prioritizing economic and infrastructural development are essential steps. Building human capital through education and skill development will not only uplift the Afghan population but also validate the Taliban’s claim as rightful rulers. By integrating into the global economy, the Taliban can attract investments, create jobs, and enhance living standards. Active participation in international diplomacy and cooperation will further legitimize their governance, ensuring Afghanistan’s stability and prosperity while gaining the trust and support of the global community.

The Author is an International and Regional Affairs analyst—Core Field of research: Cybersecurity, Hybrid Warfare, and Strategic Public Relations Management.