By P.K.Balachandran/Daily News

Colombo, August 19 – The Taliban’s rule in the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” entered its fifth year on August 15, receiving a barrage of brickbats and a few bouquets.  

The regime continues to be severely condemned by the West for its complete disregard for human rights as the Western world understands the concept. But it also has some achievements to boast of. It has ensured law and order and political stability, which none of the earlier regimes could.  

The Taliban has also built ties with key regional powers like China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, India, Qatar, and the Central Asian States. But it continues to be at odds with the US, of not at daggers drawn.

Downside

To look at the downside first, the United Nations and several European countries, have emphasized the need to uphold women’s rights and Afghanistan’s international commitments. The UN Secretary-General said that the current government in Afghanistan has deprived women and girls of their right to education and work.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said, “ Women and girls, as we have been saying repeatedly, are especially vulnerable in Afghanistan.  As you are aware, the de facto authorities have imposed a series of increasingly restrictive policies which have excluded women and girls from education, the workforce and public life.”

Several European countries, including France, Germany, and Ireland, in separate statements, stressed that they will continue working with the European Union and the international community to keep focus on Afghanistan’s situation and to support women, girls, and humanitarian aid to the country.

The French Foreign Ministry said, “The decisions taken by the Taliban over the past year once again show their blatant disregard for the commitments set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2593 of 2021. France continues to call on the Taliban to adhere to these commitments. The ban imposed in December 2024, preventing Afghan women from accessing medical educational institutions, adds to the numerous violations of women’s and girls’ rights committed by the Taliban since taking power, and it is unjustifiable and unacceptable.”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, “A return to the international community will be impossible unless the Taliban at last uphold international obligations, above all respect for the Afghan people’s human rights.”

According to Ireland’s Foreign Ministry, “A secure future can only be achieved through full respect for civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights, as well as commitment to inclusive and representative governance. Ireland co-sponsored and voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in June, which committed to those same principles.”

Political analyst Idris Mohammadi Zazi made the point that “the demand of the Afghan people is also that engagement with the international community should be pursued in ways that do not contradict Islam, so that progress can be made toward recognition.”

Girls’ Education and Inclusivity

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated that the matter of girls’ education is still under consideration, pending the issuance of a clear religious ruling. In an interview with TOLO News, he said, “The chastity of our sisters is important, as is their movement. From a religious standpoint, we must obtain a precise and legitimate ruling so we can convince religious scholars and move forward.”

Regarding the formation of an inclusive government, he said that committed individuals can be included in the government structure.

“The Minister of Commerce is one of the country’s national businessmen. There are also officials at the deputy minister level who previously were not part of the Emirate. This does not mean we reject those without prior affiliation. Anyone who is committed, loyal, and experienced, and who possesses piety, religious values, and competence, will have a place,” Mujahid said.

Clearly, the Taliban’s concept of “inclusion” does not contain ethnic and tribal groups and women. This does not measure up to the international community’s expectations.

Upside   

Media reports from Afghanistan say that citizens praise the public security given by the Taliban government, but unemployment, poverty and lack of educational opportunities, especially for girls, worry them.

Samir, a resident of Kabul, told TOLO news- “We ask the Islamic Emirate to create job for the people—set up companies and factories so people can find employment.”

Other citizens called for the reopening of schools for girls.

Foreign Policy

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, their foreign policy approach has gradually evolved from being an insular one to one attempting to navigate a complex web of international diplomacy.

Mohsen Shahrafiee writing in www.tahlilroz.com says that despite lacking formal recognition by any country, the Taliban have actively sought to strengthen ties with neighbouring states, regional powers, and broader international actors.

“This evolution reflects both strategic necessity and pragmatic efforts to secure economic assistance, political legitimacy, and regional stability,” Shahrafiee says.

Relations with Particular Countries

Pakistan remains the most pivotal neighbour for the Taliban, due to longstanding ties dating back to the group’s origins in the 1990s. Although Islamabad initially welcomed the Taliban’s return, relations have grown tense over cross-border security issues, especially Pakistan’s concerns about the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from Afghan territory.

The Taliban’s reluctance to curb TTP activities has strained the relationship, leading to diplomatic and military friction.

Iran has adopted a pragmatic stance toward the Taliban, despite deep ideological differences. The Taliban are Sunni Muslims and the Iranians are Shia Muslims. Tehran has maintained diplomatic channels and sought cooperation on border security and trade. However, tensions flare periodically, particularly over water rights and the treatment of Afghanistan’s Shiite Hazara minority.

China has interest in engaging with the Taliban, primarily driven by security concerns in its western Muslim-majority  Xinjiang region and economic ambitions related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Beijing has not officially recognized the Taliban but has hosted delegations and explored investment opportunities, especially in mining.

Central Asian States, including Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, have maintained practical engagement with the Taliban, focusing on trade, infrastructure, and border stability. These nations are particularly interested in regional connectivity projects, such as rail links and energy corridors that pass through Afghanistan.

Russia has hosted Taliban representatives and is advocating a regional solution to Afghan issues. Moscow’s concerns centre on Islamic extremism, drug trafficking, and refugee flows. It seeks to balance its relations without offering official recognition.

India, historically aligned with the previous Afghan governments, has resumed limited diplomatic contact with the Taliban. While wary of the group’s ties with Pakistan-based militants, India has sent humanitarian aid and reopened its diplomatic mission in Kabul on a technical level.

Turkey and Qatar have emerged as key interlocutors. Qatar hosted the Taliban’s political office for years and played a major role in facilitating the U.S.-Taliban negotiations. It continues to act as a diplomatic bridge. Turkey has also engaged diplomatically and expressed interest in maintaining influence in post-U.S. Afghanistan, partly through development aid and humanitarian efforts.

The West, including the United States and members of the European Union, maintain a policy of conditional engagement. While humanitarian assistance continues to flow, sanctions and the freezing of Afghan central bank assets have limited the Taliban’s access to international financial systems.

The Taliban have made efforts to engage the wider international community, especially regarding humanitarian aid and economic recovery. However, their pursuit of broader recognition is hampered by global concerns over human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, restrictions on press freedom, and the Taliban’s refusal to form an inclusive government

Despite the lack of formal recognition, the Taliban continues to host foreign delegations and participate in international forums, including regional summits hosted by China, Russia, and Iran.

Gradual Normalization

The Taliban’s strategy appears to hinge on gradual normalization through functional ties, particularly with countries less concerned about liberal democratic norms and more focused on security and economic stability. Shahrafiee says.

The Taliban’s foreign policy has transitioned from isolation towards cautious engagement. While the group remains diplomatically marginalized in much of the West, it has made significant inroads with neighbouring and regional powers.

However, the Taliban’s ability to sustain and expand these relationships will depend on its governance system, particularly its responsiveness to international expectations about human rights, counterterrorism, and ethnic and gender inclusivity,.

END