In his article Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov analyses the persistent challenges the Taliban faces in securing international recognition, despite having controlled Afghanistan for over three years. The author states that internal divisions within the Taliban, particularly the power struggle between the Kandahari and Kabuli factions, have significantly weakened the regime’s political cohesion. He highlights the discord between Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada and Sirajuddin Haqqani as emblematic of the Taliban’s broader governance struggles, which in turn exacerbate global skepticism towards Afghanistan’s ruling authorities.
He further argues that the lack of recognition stems not only from internal fractures but also from the Taliban’s failure to establish an inclusive government that represents Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic and political groups. The author notes that while the Taliban claims to have built a broad-based administration, Pashtun dominance remains a defining characteristic of its leadership, further alienating both domestic minorities and key international actors, particularly the United States and European Union. Additionally, he contends that the Taliban’s historical ties to extremism and ongoing suspicions of its association with groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) serve as enduring obstacles to diplomatic legitimacy.
The article also examines the geopolitical dimensions of recognition, noting that while most states remain cautious, some — including China, Russia, and Uzbekistan—have taken steps toward pragmatic engagement. Dr. Gafarov states that China’s acceptance of Taliban envoys and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties with Kabul indicate a potential shift in regional diplomacy, yet formal recognition remains elusive. Meanwhile, the author underscores the role of global media in shaping Afghanistan’s diplomatic standing, pointing out that shifting international attention toward conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has further sidelined discussions on Afghanistan’s status.
In conclusion, the expert asserts that the Taliban’s long-term survival on the global stage hinges on internal political reform, economic stability, and a more flexible approach to human rights issues, particularly concerning women’s education. He argues that while Afghanistan’s leadership has demonstrated interest in regional infrastructure projects and economic initiatives, these efforts remain overshadowed by governance deficiencies and global distrust. The author suggests that unless the Taliban addresses these core challenges, its quest for international legitimacy will remain an uphill battle.
Read the article on The Diplomat’s website
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
