The Way Forward

For its political stability, socio-economic development and sustainable well-being, it is of utmost importance for every state or newly-established regime that it is recognized by the global community. In reverse, an unrecognized regime has to grapple with a litany of formidable challenges and thus its future hangs in the balance. The new Taliban government is the case in point in this regard as they have not been able to earn international recognition despite passing of several months and in the comity of nations a country like Afghanistan, led by Taliban with an erroneous past at their disposal, seems to have reduced into a pariah state, no more and no less. As mentioned below, the international community has its own concerns with regards to offering the Taliban government a legitimate status and as time passes by, it is becoming more challenging for the Taliban to prove their credentials along the lines of international diktat.

First and foremost, the global community wants Afghanistan to have an inclusive government.

Secondly, the role of Afghan women and her equal status as men is another important factor for the Taliban to have them earn international recognition. Afghanistan has suffered myriad casualties in the wake of decades-long war, particularly its women have been more vulnerable to war. In the previous Taliban regime, women were subject to brutal treatment, deprived of education and employment opportunities and were excluded from state affairs. Though the new Taliban government has reaffirmed its position to give the country's women an equal status along with opportunities to grow, the Taliban have yet to prove what they preach.

Thirdly, tackling the menace of terrorism is another major problem for regional and Western countries. The previous Taliban government was uprooted on similar charges of providing shelter to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda. Though the Taliban have pledged in writing that they will not allow terrorist organisations to operate from Afghan soil, a lot more is required to make it happen.

Fourth, the economic crisis in Afghanistan is deepening day by day, which is more than a nightmare for a war-ravaged country with deep-seated hunger and poverty across the state. If the Taliban are able to stabilize the economy and improve governance, they are likely to have a sustainable government. However, it will be difficult for them to establish order and peace in Afghanistan. The US has already frozen $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan, while the USA and European countries together have stopped the aid worth millions of dollars. To make matters worse, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development agencies and donors have refused to help the Taliban government in running the state matters. As per the IMF directives, its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government led by Taliban.

By way of conclusion, the Taliban have to face a host of burning issues when it comes to smooth governance. Although they have set up an interim government comprising their diehard stalwarts, they all are hardliners who can be good warriors but not good administrators at all . The time is running out for the Taliban and they have to get their house in order and abide by international demands. For this purpose, they have to show some flexibility in their decisions and policies. It is hoped that the international community will rise to the occasion and help Afghanistan avoid a human catastrophe.