At last, what no one had ever doubted had happened. Specialists on Afghanistan differed only in terms of timing – it is impossible to predict the bureaucratic process in Russia, and the coordination of the wishes of former terrorists (not all of them accepted for discussion) in the process of establishing interstate relations is a mysterious story. One way or another, the fundamentalist regime in Kabul is now somewhat of a partner of the Kremlin.
The main thing Russia needs from the legalized Taliban is to contain the terrorist threat emanating from the northern and eastern borders of Afghanistan. They have come for a long time and it is necessary to build relations: after seizing power, the Taliban excluded political terror from its arsenal. It is not without reason that the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, was at the forefront of advocating for the recognition of the regime in Kabul.
China, Russia’s main BRICS ally in the region, officially recognized the Taliban government long ago. Today, Qatar, Pakistan, Iran and India have already established diplomatic contacts with them.
A former ally of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the local branch of the Wilayat Khorasan, a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation, relies on terror. Their guilt in numerous terrorist acts in Europe and Russia (for example, in Crocus City Hall) is considered proven by all serious experts. It has consolidated itself in the northern provinces, on the borders of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The threat emanating from passionate Islamic fundamentalists from the territory of Afghanistan is not insignificant. Recognizing the Taliban as a partner in Kabul is an attempt by the Kremlin to rely on its capabilities in the fight against Islamic terrorism in the region. Such are the vagaries of realpolitik.
This is a bold move by Russia! It’s fascinating to see how realpolitik can lead to such unexpected alliances. I wonder how this will affect the balance of power in Central Asia and what it means for regional security.
The Kremlin’s decision to legalize the Taliban is controversial but understandable from a security perspective. I’m curious to see if this partnership will actually help contain terrorist threats or create new challenges for Russia and its neighbors.
History is full of surprising partnerships, and this one is no exception! Russia’s pragmatic approach shows how quickly international relations can shift when security and strategic interests are at stake.