Recognition of Taliban: Mirage of Power or Geopolitical Game?

Reported by Kokcha News Agency

The recognition of the Taliban by Russia has stirred significant debate, but in reality, this move does not alter the group’s core identity.

The Taliban remain the same as they were yesterday: lacking popular legitimacy, incapable of governance, and mired in profound economic and social crises.

Recognition by a few self-interested countries does not grant the Taliban new wings nor does it shield them from the wrath of history and justice.

What makes the Taliban more dangerous is not these recognitions but our misplaced expectations from foreign powers that are solely pursuing their own geopolitical and security interests.

Russia’s recognition of the Taliban, or that of China and others, is merely a diplomatic gesture—neither a guarantee of stability for Afghanistan nor real support in times of crisis.

Past bitter experiences, such as Pakistan’s deal with the U.S. after 9/11, show that in difficult times, these powers will abandon the Taliban.

Even if the number of countries recognizing the Taliban increases, the group will still face global isolation, economic sanctions, and serious internal challenges.

These recognitions only turn the Taliban into a temporary tool in the great game of East-West rivalry, nothing more.

Just as the former Afghan republic, despite its global legitimacy, could not endure, the Taliban too will not be able to secure their survival through these recognitions.

Therefore, we must be realistic: the recognition of the Taliban is neither a new threat nor a victory for the group.

It is merely part of the geopolitical game played by global powers that have turned Afghanistan into a battleground for their competition—without the slightest regard for the fate of the people of this land.