Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

Russia has officially recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the Taliban took control of the country nearly four years ago. This decision has created a storm of reactions worldwide, with many Afghan leaders, women’s groups, and international organisations expressing their deep concern and disappointment.

What Happened?

The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 after US troops withdrew from Afghanistan. They quickly took over the capital city, Kabul, and established their government. However, until now, no country had officially recognised their rule due to their strict implementation of Sharia law and severe restrictions on women and girls.

On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced that Russia had formally recognised their government. He called it a “courageous” step by Russia and said this decision would start a new chapter of positive relations, mutual respect, and strong cooperation between the two countries. Muttaqi also hoped that other countries would follow Russia’s example and recognise the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan.

Why Are People Worried?

Many Afghan leaders and women’s rights groups have criticised Russia’s move. Former Afghan politician Fawzia Koofi said recognising the Taliban would not bring peace to Afghanistan. Instead, it would only allow the Taliban to continue their harsh actions without fear of punishment. She warned, “Such steps risk endangering not just the people of Afghanistan but global security.”

The Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network also condemned Russia’s decision. They said that it was supporting a government that is against women, does not allow them to live freely, and is destroying basic human rights. The group added, “This is a regime that is authoritarian, anti-women, and actively taking away civil rights from the people.”

What Are The Taliban’s Rules for Women?

Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed strict rules on women and girls:

• Girls over the age of 12 are not allowed to go to school.
• Women are banned from working in many jobs.
• Women cannot travel far without a male family member accompanying them.
• Women are also banned from speaking loudly in public.

The Taliban say they are following Afghan culture and Islamic law, but human rights organisations and the United Nations have called these rules unfair and cruel. The UN has even described them as a form of “gender apartheid.”

Why Did Russia Make This Decision?

Russia’s foreign ministry said that it sees opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation with Afghanistan. They mentioned working together in areas like energy, transport, agriculture, and building infrastructure. Russia also promised to help Afghanistan fight terrorism and stop drug trafficking.

Unlike most countries, Russia did not close its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took over in 2021. In 2022, Russia was the first country to sign a big economic deal with the Taliban, where they agreed to supply oil, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist groups. In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Taliban an “ally” in fighting terrorism.

A Long and Complex History

Russia and Afghanistan have a difficult past. In 1979, the Soviet Union, which included Russia, invaded Afghanistan to install a Soviet-backed government in Kabul.

The war lasted for nine years and led to the deaths of about 15,000 Soviet soldiers. This invasion turned the Soviet Union into an international outcast and caused deep suffering in Afghanistan until the Soviet troops left in February 1989.

The Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network said they have not forgotten Russia’s destructive role during that war. In their statement, they said, “Today, it's political interference and direct support for the Taliban represent a continuation of those same destructive strategies, now under the banner of diplomacy.”

What Do Other Leaders Say?

Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta, who was a national security adviser under the previous Western-backed Afghan government, called Russia’s decision “regrettable.” He warned that this is just the beginning and that if there is no strong resistance, other countries might also start recognising the Taliban.

Impact of Sanctions and Global Reaction

In 2021, the United Nations Security Council imposed strict sanctions on Afghanistan. This included freezing about 9 billion dollars (around 75,000 crore rupees) of Afghanistan’s money held in foreign banks. Many countries have refused to recognise the Taliban because of their harsh rules, public floggings, and brutal treatment of former government officials.

However, some countries still keep diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have ambassadors in Kabul.
In Germany, some leaders are also talking about working with the Taliban again. They want to send back Afghan criminals who are staying illegally in Germany. However, the UN Human Rights Office said on Friday that it is not safe to send anyone back to Afghanistan because of ongoing human rights violations.

What Does This Mean for Afghanistan?

Russia’s decision has brought hope to the Taliban for international recognition, but at the same time, it has created fear among Afghan women and human rights groups. They believe that supporting the Taliban will only make life more difficult for ordinary people, especially women and girls, and will reduce any hope for freedom, education, and equality in Afghanistan.

Many experts believe that if more countries recognise the Taliban, it will strengthen their power but will push Afghanistan backwards in terms of women’s rights and human development.