Russia-Taliban thaw

Russia's landmark decision to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan represents a pragmatic recalibration of international diplomacy in the face of a complex geopolitics.

While the Taliban's human rights record, particularly concerning women and girls, has arguably worsened since the group returned to power, Moscow's move does not endorse these policies. It is instead an acknowledgment of ground realities and a strategic investment in regional stability with profound implications.

It can reasonably be argued that this decision anchors Afghanistan within the framework of sovereign responsibility. Accepting the Taliban as the rightful government compels Kabul to engage with international norms and obligations, at the very least, all valid bilateral agreements between Russia and Afghanistan, and even a few multilateral ones.

Years of isolation have failed to moderate Taliban rule or improve conditions for ordinary Afghans. Engagement, however difficult, offers a channel to exert influence and demand accountability, where isolation bred only defiance and desperation.

Cooperation with Afghanistan could also help Russia address a major security threat to itself and its allies — the Islamic State (Daesh) terror group, which continues to use Afghanistan as a training ground and a launchpad for attacks across Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The Taliban have failed to completely eliminate Daesh, and help from Russia in some form may be welcome. Russia would obviously benefit by trying to solve the problem 'over there, instead of over here'. Recognising the Taliban also allows Russia, and any allies who follow its lead in reestablishing diplomatic ties, to restart stalled rail and road connectivity projects.

The Taliban must be held relentlessly accountable for their abysmal human rights record, but perhaps changing tack and letting them see how good life could be as part of the global order, rather than as pariahs, will do better at convincing them to change their ways.