Syed Fawad Ali Shah
The fifteenth report from the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team sheds light on the evolving landscape in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule. Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Amir of the Taliban, has solidified his grip on power, marking a significant transition from insurgency to de facto governance. This consolidation of power brings both stability and challenges, impacting Afghanistan and its regional dynamics profoundly. Under Akhundzada’s leadership, the Taliban have brought a semblance of stability to Afghanistan. Internal peace has improved, corruption has decreased, and opium cultivation has seen a decline. These changes have bolstered the fragile Afghan economy and provided a modicum of public services. However, the governance model remains deeply rooted in a strict interpretation of Islamic law, which raises questions about its long-term viability in addressing Afghanistan’s multifaceted challenges. The report highlights the Taliban’s limited ability to manage critical issues such as mass migration, natural disasters, water management, climate change, and the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the Taliban’s efforts to combat terrorism, particularly against ISIL-K and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are met with skepticism. While there have been some successes, the Taliban’s overall counter-terrorism capabilities are questioned, and their support for TTP is a point of concern for neighboring countries. Afghanistan’s economy, while not collapsing, is struggling under the weight of reduced international aid and the challenges of transitioning from an insurgency to a governing authority. The Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation, though intended to curb the narcotics trade, has left farmers without viable alternatives, leading to unrest in regions like Badakhshan Province. The trade in narcotics persists due to sizeable stockpiles, and senior Taliban figures continue to profit from it. The Taliban’s governance approach, characterized by tight control and limited adaptation, is not meeting the expectations of the Afghan population or the international community. The needs of women, ethnic and religious minorities, and broader human rights concerns remain largely unaddressed. The Taliban’s non-participation in international dialogues, such as the Doha II meeting, underscores their insular approach and reluctance to engage with the global community. The report underscores the persistent threat Afghanistan poses to regional and global security. The Taliban’s tolerance of various terrorist groups allows these entities to use Afghanistan as a base for operations, projecting threats into neighboring countries and beyond. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, coupled with the management of regional water rights, further complicates the security landscape. Member States have expressed concerns about the disproportionate spending on security and armed forces by the Taliban. The ambitions to acquire new military capabilities and the challenges in controlling small arms and light weapons add to the apprehensions about the Taliban’s true intent. The potential for terrorist access to these weapons poses a significant threat to regional stability. The Monitoring Team’s report provides several recommendations for improving the implementation of sanctions and addressing the complex challenges posed by the Taliban’s governance. There is a need for clarity in handling asset freeze exemption requests and a more robust approach to the arms embargo. Engaging the Taliban in a multilateral framework to address these issues and foster international recognition is crucial. As Afghanistan navigates this turbulent period, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the evolving threats and challenges. The Taliban’s rule, while bringing some stability, is fraught with complexities that require a nuanced and coordinated response to ensure regional and global security. The fifteenth report from the UN Monitoring Team paints a detailed and sobering picture of Afghanistan under the Taliban. The consolidation of power by Hibatullah Akhundzada has brought both stability and significant challenges. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that efforts to address terrorism, humanitarian needs, and regional security are sustained and effective. The road ahead for Afghanistan is fraught with uncertainty, and it is imperative that global stakeholders remain engaged and responsive to the evolving dynamics in the region.
The writer is a senior Journalist He can be reached at [email protected]
