As the solar year 1403 concludes, the Taliban continue to grapple with the challenges of achieving international legitimacy while managing internal discord. Despite active engagement with neighboring countries and regional powers, no nation has formally recognized the Taliban government. Notably, India’s recent diplomatic overtures have not culminated in official recognition.
Within the Taliban’s ranks, tensions have surfaced between factions loyal to leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and those aligned with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Haqqani’s public remarks have subtly criticized the central leadership’s approach.
“One should not think that because I am the ruler, everyone must accept my words, and if someone does not, the sky will fall. You are accountable to God, and He will question you,” Haqqani said.
Reports indicate that Akhundzada has sought to fortify his position by appointing loyalists to key roles, a move highlighted in a recent United Nations report.
The Taliban’s foreign relations have been marked by both outreach and friction. While ties with China, Russia, Iran, and several Central Asian nations have warmed, relations with Pakistan have experienced strain, particularly concerning the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concerns over the repercussions of past affiliations:
“Those who aligned with the Taliban and claimed they liberated Afghanistan from occupation, now our country faces such a situation due to these alignments.”
Regional and international forums, including the Doha Process under UN auspices, have convened to address Afghanistan’s situation. However, these discussions have predominantly focused on issues like narcotics and private sector development, rather than the core political and human rights challenges.
Opposition groups have become more active, organizing meetings from Vienna to Ankara, leading to increased cohesion among certain factions. Several new political entities have emerged during the year, though they remain absent from major international dialogues concerning Afghanistan’s future.
The Taliban’s quest for global recognition remains unfulfilled, with even allied nations refraining from formal acknowledgment. In response to this diplomatic isolation, there are indications that Akhundzada may consider convening a Loya Jirga (grand assembly) in 1404, aiming to bolster domestic legitimacy and address internal challenges.
As Afghanistan stands at this critical juncture, the interplay of internal dynamics and external relations will significantly influence its trajectory in the coming years.
