The crisis in Afghanistan is one of the most complex and enduring political and security challenges in the region and the world. Since the fall of the previous Afghan government and the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, the international community has made numerous efforts to find a sustainable solution to the crisis. Several international conferences, attended by various countries and global organizations, have been held to seek solutions to this intricate problem. However, these meetings have so far failed to produce tangible results.
The Taliban, as the current rulers of Afghanistan, have created significant obstacles on the path to peace and stability with their hardline policies and blatant human rights violations. Furthermore, disagreements among regional and global powers have prevented any comprehensive agreement on Afghanistan’s future. This article explores the main reasons behind the failure of these conferences and examines the Taliban’s role as a major factor in these setbacks.
1. The Taliban’s Extreme Policies and Human Rights Violations
One of the main reasons for the failure of international conferences on Afghanistan is the Taliban’s extreme and inhumane policies. After seizing control, the Taliban imposed severe restrictions on basic freedoms, especially for women and girls, plunging the country into a deep human rights crisis. Banning education and work for women, the severe suppression of free speech and the press, and the rigid enforcement of Sharia law without regard for human rights have turned Afghanistan into one of the most closed and oppressive countries in the world.
These policies have not only sparked widespread domestic and international protests but have also hindered the Taliban’s quest for international legitimacy. Many countries, including Western powers, are unwilling to cooperate with the Taliban due to their human rights abuses. Until the Taliban makes fundamental changes to their policies, no international agreement is likely to be sustainably implemented.
2. Lack of Coordination Among Participating Countries
In addition to the Taliban’s policies, another major obstacle to the success of international conferences is the lack of coordination and differing interests among the participating countries. Each country approaches these conferences based on its own specific interests and pursues different priorities. Regional powers like Iran, Pakistan, and China are more focused on their security and economic concerns, while Western countries such as the U.S. and the European Union place greater emphasis on human rights and democracy.
This disparity in approaches prevents the achievement of a comprehensive and effective agreement. For example, some countries are inclined to recognize the Taliban and cooperate with them, while others continue to seek the group’s overthrow. These conflicting interests have made it impossible to formulate a unified and coordinated strategy for Afghanistan’s future.
3. Lack of Genuine Representation for the Afghan People
The Taliban claim to represent the Afghan people, but in reality, they only act on behalf of a portion of society, ignoring the voices of the majority, especially women and ethnic and religious minorities. Moreover, the international conferences often feature Afghan representatives who do not necessarily represent all sectors of society.
As a result, no unified and credible voice from the Afghan people is heard in these negotiations. The Taliban not only impose their policies without regard for the people’s wishes but also suppress opposition and restrict basic freedoms, depriving Afghan society of the means to express their demands.
4. Divergent Interests of Global and Regional Powers
Afghanistan remains at the center of attention for both regional and global powers, each pursuing its own interests. Pakistan, Iran, and China, due to shared borders and economic interests, are most concerned about Afghanistan’s stability, while the U.S. and Europe are more focused on security issues and preventing terrorism.
These differences in goals and approaches make reaching a comprehensive agreement difficult. Some countries support engaging and cooperating with the Taliban, while others refuse to negotiate with the group unless it meets human rights and political commitments.
5. Reluctance to Recognize the Taliban
One of the biggest hurdles in international negotiations is the issue of recognizing the Taliban. Many countries and global organizations do not recognize the Taliban and continue to view them as an illegitimate armed group. Meanwhile, the Taliban act as the dominant force in Afghanistan, controlling most of the country.
This situation has led to a deadlock in negotiations, as the Taliban seek international legitimacy, but many countries are unwilling to negotiate with them unless they make major changes to their governance and human rights practices.
6. Economic Sanctions and Pressures
Economic sanctions imposed on the Taliban have hindered international economic and trade interactions with Afghanistan. While these sanctions are intended as leverage to pressure the Taliban into changing their behavior, they have, in practice, contributed to economic collapse and worsened the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. At the same time, some countries are seeking to send humanitarian aid or facilitate trade with Afghanistan, leading to further disagreements on how to manage the sanctions.
7. Role of Armed Non-Governmental Groups
In addition to state actors, non-governmental armed groups like ISIS are also present in Afghanistan and influence the country’s security situation. These groups often contribute to instability and escalate violence. The lack of a solution to deal with these extremist groups is another major obstacle to resolving the Afghan crisis.
8. Unstable International Policies
Another significant factor is the instability and frequent shifts in policies by the countries involved. Some countries have fluctuating approaches to Afghanistan, swinging between negotiating with and opposing the Taliban. These frequent changes in policy have created confusion and a lack of a clear strategy for advancing the negotiations.
Conclusion
The Afghan crisis, under Taliban rule, continues for a variety of complex reasons. The Taliban’s extremist and repressive policies remain one of the main barriers to the success of international conferences. The group’s blatant disregard for human rights and suppression of opposition reduces the chances of reaching a peaceful resolution. Furthermore, differences between regional and global powers and the lack of a coordinated approach have stalled progress in negotiations.
For these conferences to yield tangible results, the Taliban must make fundamental changes to their policies and respect the demands of the Afghan people. Participating countries must also reach a common vision and work with a coordinated approach to resolve the crisis. Otherwise, the Afghan crisis will persist, with the Afghan people continuing to suffer as the main victims.
