The Taliban government in Afghanistan announced on Thursday that Russia has become the first nation to recognize its rule. This declaration followed a meeting between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul. Muttaqi expressed that Russia’s decision to recognize the Taliban could encourage other countries to follow suit. Similarly, Russia’s foreign ministry stated that official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Moreover, Russia pledged its support to Afghanistan in addressing terrorism and drug trafficking while also focusing on bolstering economic ties. However, critics argue that strategic interests tend to overshadow human rights and international law. Afghanistan has endured decades of instability, including a 20-year conflict involving the US and other forces, which concluded with the US withdrawal in 2021. The Taliban regained power in 2021 and has since enforced strict Islamic law, receiving condemnation for its treatment of women and girls.
Russia previously removed the Taliban from their list of terrorist organizations and accepted an ambassador from the Taliban government. Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.” Previously, the Taliban was recognized by only a few countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, during their reign from 1996 to 2001. Nonetheless, the Taliban has faced criticism for its oppression of civil liberties, particularly targeting women and girls.
Edited by Sean Sinico
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-first-country-to-recognize-taliban-rule/a-73150385?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
