Taliban's trajectory

That Afghanistan is the epicenter of terrorism is now an uncontested proposition. The recent cross-border activity undertaken by elements holed up inside Afghanistan against neighbouring Tajikistan is a case in point. This confirms the notion that non-state actors are at large in Afghanistan, and the Taliban rulers are unable to tame them. Two attacks reportedly carried out either by Afghan authorities or their henchmen in the terror nexus killed at least five Chinese engineers in Tajikistan. The last week's attacks compelled the Tajik President to put the militia-ruled country on the radar of suspicion. This is in furtherance to how the Taliban regime is treating Pakistan - providing safe havens to TTP terrorists who are out to bleed a country that has stood by it through and through.

The United Nations too has repeatedly voiced concern, asking Kabul to act against the growing terror syndrome. Recently, the world body went on record saying that inaction from Taliban 2.0 is a threat to regional security. And the Tajik incident has pushed the envelope further. The point is, what hinders Kabul from being part of a civilised culture wherein the state goes on to check nefarious elements with full force? It seems the militia is regressive in nature and wants to glorify its yesteryears' narrative by standing beside gun-runners, drug-mafia and smugglers. Secondly, Kabul apparently believes that it is in the league of hegemonic states since it has struck a chord with New Delhi. That is a mirage, akin to walking a death trap.

The Taliban rulers would be better advised to closely introspect their policies, and align with the international community which wants them to become part and parcel of booming geo-economics. Kabul's misreading at the last months talks in Istanbul, and of late in Saudi Arabia, has diminished its image as a responsible entity. It must honour its commitment to the Doha Accord of 2020, and put its foot down against terrorism.