Taliban at five

The Taliban have now been in power for five years. Having established relative peace inside Afghanistan, the administration is struggling to keep its promises of embracing diversity and forming an inclusive government. The sole positive note is that the political landscape in the war-torn country has settled and is now free from external intervention. Yet, clusters of non-state actors holed up inside Afghanistan are not only detrimental to regional peace and security but also pose an existential threat to the Southwest Asian country. This paradox is fraught with serious consequences, inviting the clergy-led leadership to think outside the box.

Unless the terror nexus is rooted out and Kabul cooperates with regional stakeholders to forge a counter-terrorism alliance, geo-economics and prosperity will remain a far cry for the 45 million impoverished citizens. Furthermore, the regime in Kabul has failed to overcome the stigma of the Stone Age. Its decision to ban education for girls and impose an ultra-orthodox civil decorum has crippled the nation's vibrancy and talent, breeding discontent against the militia that was once seen as a symbol of resistance to foreign intervention.

The challenges ahead include seeking international legitimacy and averting an imminent economic collapse. Afghanistan remains trapped in a vicious circle of instability, diplomatic isolation and international uncertainty - all owing to its self-inflicted adherence to hardline ideology. The leadership must go the extra mile to face reality, which necessitates deep introspection. It is time to stop playing to the gallery and resorting to illogical alliances, such as its newfound courtship with India. Perpetual peace in the region cannot be achieved until Kabul opts for a broad-based, multi-ethnic dispensation, proactively flushes out terrorists, and works consistently to uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens. Achieving this requires a change of heart from the Taliban, which is indispensable for their survival.