Diplomats in disarray

Afghanistan is perpetually sliding into a diplomatic chaos. The discord was evident as its mission in New Delhi was officially closed and the keys were handed over to the host government. The unpleasant outcome was owing to lack of funds from Kabul, besides Delhi’s refusal to acknowledge the attribution of envoys and staff from the new Taliban dispensation. The militia ruling Afghanistan lacks recognition from the world at large and this has been a bone of contention in its foreign relations. The fact that the Afghan ambassador in Delhi and the senior staff reportedly left for the US and Europe in search of asylum, and the lower staff lingered without salaries in uncertainty is a pathetic chapter in their chequered history.

Kabul faces a similar situation at several other missions worldwide, and has not been to further the envelope of congeniality with their hosts. The reason is simple: Taliban 2.0 have failed to come up with an inclusive government composed of all sections of society, and have also not come up with women’s empowerment as desired by the world community. Likewise, the principled stance taken by regional states that recognition will come in tandem has hampered day-to-day governance, and lack of acumen is staring Kabul rulers in their face. Moreover, the presence of non-state actors and their nefarious activities in neighbouring countries have brought a bad name to Taliban.

Afghanistan should realise that its assets are depleting abroad. Higher bureaucracy is in limbo, and the diplomatic core in disarray. This comes at a staggering cost, as the Afghan Establishment sits without muscles of an effective army, judiciary and civil service. This necessitates a shift in approach and the prevailing sense of ad hocism must come to an end. Iraq, likewise, lost its army and governance structure owing to a civil war and abject nepotism in the backdrop of Saddam Hussein’s removal. That should not be repeated in the West Asian state. Time for Taliban to recollect themselves and look at the broader picture of harmony and national unity.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2023.

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