The recent two-day meeting of regional and national special envoys for Afghanistan, led by U.N. Secretary General António Guterres in Doha, concluded on February 19 with a consensus on the necessary actions. However, there was little agreement on how the international community should engage with the Taliban. The Taliban’s steadfastness in maintaining their policies without showing any inclination towards forming an inclusive government or reinstating the rights of education, employment, and freedom of movement for girls, women, and minorities over the past two decades was evident.
Despite the U.N. Secretary General’s assertion of consensus, a clear division among countries was noticeable regarding dealing with the current regime of Afghanistan.
The meeting served as a platform for key stakeholders, both regionally and globally, to discuss the future of Afghanistan and the necessary steps to halt the country’s decline under Taliban rule. It also aimed to facilitate a direct dialogue between the Taliban and Afghan human rights and women activist groups, an opportunity that has been elusive in Afghanistan.
The Taliban, however, refused to participate unless their demand for recognition as the sole governing entity of Afghanistan was met, highlighting their reluctance to engage with other groups. They also rejected the idea of appointing a new U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan, citing the existence of UNAMA.
Despite the hope expressed by Guterres for future discussions with the Taliban, the international community remains divided between pressuring the Taliban through non-recognition and engaging with them. Some countries have expanded their engagement with the Taliban, signaling a potential shift in global attitudes.
Recent developments include Azerbaijan reopening its embassy in Kabul and India increasing its interactions with Afghanistan, showcasing a changing landscape of international relations with the Taliban regime.
The Taliban’s belief in overcoming international isolation is growing, as demonstrated by the regional conference they convened in Kabul and the support expressed by countries like Russia, China, and Iran during the Doha meeting.
Achieving a global consensus on Afghanistan remains challenging, with differing perspectives between Western nations and regional players. The U.N. will play a crucial role in bridging these divides and fostering dialogue among various Afghan groups and the Taliban to promote inclusivity, peace, and stability in the country.