The global discourse surrounding Afghanistan’s future remains fraught with complexity. Recently, several European Union (EU) countries have contemplated reopening their embassies in Kabul, signalling a tentative step towards re-engagement with the country under Taliban rule.[i] However, this potential shift in diplomatic strategy is complicated by the Taliban’s recent decree—the Law on Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice—which has drawn sharp criticism from international observers and cast a shadow over Afghanistan’s progress.
Positive Developments: A Silver Lining
Amidst the broader tumult, there are notable signs of progress that suggest Afghanistan is making cautious strides. Japan, the only G7 nation to maintain an embassy in Kabul, exemplifies a selective engagement with the Taliban, underscoring a potential pathway for other countries.[ii] Additionally, Afghanistan has made strides in economic diplomacy, evidenced by preliminary agreements with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.[iii] These agreements signal a budding economic partnership that could help stabilize the country’s economy, which has been in turmoil since the Taliban’s return to power.
The Real Picture: Significant Challenges Remain
Despite these positive developments, Afghanistan is still far from being fully reintegrated into the international community. A closer look reveals the substantial hurdles that the country faces.
The Taliban’s governance has been marked by severe restrictions on civil liberties. The recent Law on Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces stringent moral codes, has faced widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations. This decree has reversed some of the limited progress made in terms of personal freedoms and gender equality since the Taliban’s return.[iv] The EU’s consideration of reopening embassies is balanced against ongoing concerns about the Taliban’s human rights record. The bloc has expressed reservations, citing the recent decree as a significant setback.[v] This hesitation underscores the broader international reluctance to fully engage with a regime that continues to undermine fundamental human rights.
Furthermore, Afghanistan continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis. Reports from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) highlight ongoing issues such as widespread poverty, inadequate healthcare, and disruptions in education. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with significant needs for international aid and support.[vi] The crisis has also resulted in large-scale displacement. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that millions of Afghans remain displaced, either internally or as refugees in neighbouring countries. This exodus poses challenges for both Afghanistan and the international community, complicating efforts at stabilization and reconstruction.[vii] The most critical concern however is security, with ongoing violence from various factions threatening stability.[viii] The economic landscape is equally challenging, characterized by rampant unemployment and a struggling infrastructure. The Taliban’s control over narcotics production and trade exacerbates these economic challenges, undermining efforts to build a sustainable economy.[ix]
Conclusion
While there have been reconnaissance missions and tentative engagements, the recent Taliban decree has pushed many EU nations back into a cautious stance. The decree not only highlights the Taliban’s resistance to international norms but also underscores the considerable distance Afghanistan must cover before it can be fully reaccepted into the global fold. The international community remains divided, with engagement efforts weighed down by concerns over governance, human rights, and ongoing humanitarian crises. For Afghanistan to reestablish its place on the world stage, a more significant and consistent demonstration of progress will be essential. Until then, the path to full reintegration remains a challenging and uncertain journey.
By: Manah P, Research Assistant, CS3, USI
Endnotes
[i] Donato Paolo Mancini and Natalia Drozdiak, “EU Nations Mull Reopening Afghan Embassies, Recognizing Taliban,” Bloomberg, July 16, 2024, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-16/eu-nations-mull-reopening-afghan-embassies-recognizing-taliban?utm_source=archives.internationalintrigue.io&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=mohammed-deif-dead-or-alive.
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] TIMESOFINDIA.COM, “Phones, Islamic Books, Tourism: Taliban on Charm Offensive to Revive Afghan Economy,” The Times of India, May 28, 2024, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/phones-islamic-books-tourism-taliban-on-charm-offensive-to-revive-afghan-economy/articleshow/110493793.cms.
[iv] Council of the European Union, “Afghanistan: Statement of the High Representative on Behalf of the EU on Latest Restrictions Imposed by the Taliban on the People,” Press release, August 26, 2024, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/08/26/afghanistan-statement-of-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-latest-restrictions-imposed-by-the-taliban-on-the-people/.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, “Quarterly Report for the United States 2024,” Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Arlington, Virginia, United States of America: Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, April 30, 2024), https://www.sigar.mil.
[vii] Ibid.
[viii] Ibid.
[ix] Ibid.