Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Controversy had erupted over the formation of Taliban government in Afghanistan. For group interest, various tensions have started among themselves. The major conflict is prevailing especially in the Haqqani and Yaqob tribes. Primarily it was learnt that the Taliban chief Hayabatullaha Akhundajada was supposed to be the supreme leader in the government administration like Iran. But many a leaders’ do not agree it. Meanwhile a government has been formed under the leadership of Md. Hassan Akhund. But questions remain whether this government would be able to run the administration of weak economy and war ravaged Afghanistan. Although the Taliban government has been formed, there is difference of opinion in the world on the issue of international recognition.
China, Russia, Qatar, Iran, and Pakistan are in the positive thoughts in recognition of the Taliban government; although these countries are talking about a peaceful solution with all parties. Afghan situation may be more complex if the Taliban backings power like China, Russia and Pakistan play games with them and try to dominate over the Taliban government. On the other hand, the US after their defeat could never tolerate their image down situation. So China-US relationship will be a deciding factor about the Tailbans new game in this region. The Afghan situation may deteriorate further. We must remember that the United Nation will not play an active role if situation is the worst. In the past, we have observed that on issues like Rohingya UN could not do anything positive. So for the Talibans, could UN proceed with any effective mission? The answer will be ‘No’. So it is only the Talibans, who will have to be very careful. If they are disorganised and fail to bring confidence and mutual cooperation among the leaders, situation will be damaging. In this shifting situation, the Talibans must have their tolerance and need to foster a convenient relationship which may save the nations from disasters. So peace or agitations, nothing is ascertained.
Much will depend on how the Taliban conducts itself in Afghanistan, deals with the international community, if it distances itself from various terror groups, including Al Qaeda, which helped it, and how it deals with Pakistan, the principal backer of the hard-line Islamist group. If the Taliban sticks to its medieval mores like in the 1990s, oppressing women and indulging in revenge killings, it could run the risk of once again becoming an international pariah. Post-takeover, initial vibes emanating from Kabul is that the group is trying to signal its transformation into a force of moderation by promising no reprisal violence and those women are welcome in government offices. During the talks on government formation with Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, Motaqi reportedly pledged to form an “inclusive” government that would give representation to all ethnic groups. So, the Taliban seems to be making the right noises, keeping an eye on the international community in a bid to get acceptance and legitimacy. But these words need to be verified on the ground in the months to come.
Taliban rule during 1996-2001 was marked by the absence of inclusivity in politics and governance. The notion of citizenship was absent, let alone their consent in governance. The basic human rights of citizens were absent. The so-called code of conduct was imposed by force, women’s fundamental rights were taken away, cultural activities were banned, the education system was restricted, and only religious education was given the status of education, and independent intellectual exercise was admonished. These were justified on the pretext of being distinct characteristics of Islam and Afghan society. The ball is in the court of the Taliban. It is incumbent on them to behave as a responsible political actor and ensure that Afghanistan is not going back to 1996. It is also imperative to watch what the followers of their ideology are doing. And it is necessary to watch what other governments are doing under the pretext of the Taliban victory.
(Dr. Forqan is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP).
