Taliban should walk the talk

The hats have fallen in Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has left for greener pastures, as his administration melted down like a house of cards. The United States’ dream to conquer and rule Afghanistan is now an embarrassing footnote of history. The security apparatus that Washington and its allies raised at the cost of billions of dollars withered away before firing even a single aerial shot. So much so for strategic alignment of a superpower in Southwest Asia, whose credentials will surely be questioned by saner elements in the American establishment!

The Taliban are back in Kabul, and have literally taken over the war-ravaged country with a lightning speed. Chaos and uncertainty looms large as no one knows what kind of dispensation will the Taliban form. But one thing is certain: the Taliban shall be calling the shots, and it remains to be seen how accommodative and compassionate the militia will be this time around with other Afghan political forces and stakeholders.

The good news, however, is that Taliban co-founder Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar has promised a peaceful transition, and called for calm. “Now it’s time to test and prove, now we have to show that we can serve our nation and ensure security and comfort of life,” Baradar was quoted as saying as he declared independence and an “end to war” in Afghanistan. The point that no violence has been reported, nor did any incidents of arson and intimidation take place is a welcome sign.

The Taliban are in the global spotlight. They will be judged for their deeds, and not words. “We will not allow anyone to use our lands to target anyone, and we do not want to harm others,” Baradar outlined his would-be administration’s external relations. The Taliban leadership has to keep that pledge, and this is what is demanded of them by the international community. There is no room for installing a 1996-like regime, as international recognition won’t be forthcoming if Taliban resorted to whipping of women, implementing Islamic laws by force, and penalising minorities and non-Muslims.

It is hoped that decades of trial and error have taught the Taliban the way to run a civic administration, which is free from prejudice. China, Russia and Turkey have reposed trust in the Taliban by not evacuating their embassies. The Taliban have to build on this gesture, and enter into a working relationship with all, including the United States. It would be prudent of the Taliban to streamline the evacuation process, inclusive of diplomats, without any hindrance. It’s time for nation-building and opening up of Afghanistan. The impoverished nation has had enough of seclusion and war-mongering; and now is the time to ensure security and stability of the region.

Pakistan has a special role to play in the emerging situation as geo-politics takes an interesting turn right on its western frontiers. Islamabad’s resolve not to become a party in any future set-up has been welcomed at large. Pakistan should resist the influx of refugees, and as announced earlier, seal its borders. In fact, now is the time for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan to return to their homeland, and cherish the fruits of freedom and nation-building.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2021.

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