In early April, the Kremlin announced discussions with Afghan Taliban leaders, suggesting the group might soon be removed from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in a press briefing that it's a neighboring country we invariably engage with. To address the issues, we have to negotiate.
Speaking on delisting the Taliban, Peskov also mentioned resolving pressing issues, though he did not elaborate.
Links Between Moscow Attacks and the Taliban Surfaced
On March 22nd, an attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall concert venue resulted in over 130 fatalities and hundreds injured. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan, an Afghan terror faction with ISIS ideologies and Taliban-connected leadership.
Russia's Long-standing Animosity with the Group
This faction staunchly opposes Russia, influenced significantly by the Islamic State's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who declared a holy war against both Russia and the United States. The terrorists resent Russia for supporting the US in eradicating ISIS from Syria. They also accused Russia of injustices against Muslims in Chechnya.
Source: aajtak
Tenuous Ties Between Russia and the Taliban
- In 1999, the United Nations acknowledged the Taliban as a refuge and training ground for international terrorists.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified the UN decree imposing extensive sanctions on the Taliban.
- In 2003, the Russian Supreme Court labeled the Taliban not only as terrorists but also as instigators of rebellion within Russia's territories. It seemed the relationship was venomous. However, behind the curtain, talks were beginning. Since 2017, Moscow has been trying to mediate peace between Kabul's then-government and the Taliban.
The Next Phase in This Dynamic
Russia indicates its willingness to remove the Taliban from the terrorist list, signaling recognition of their rule in Afghanistan. This is monumental, as none other than China has recognized the Taliban since they assumed power in August 2021. Countries have only offered de facto recognitions, hinting at factual yet temporary acknowledgments. With Russia's likely recognition, many other nations may eventually follow suit, integrating the Taliban into the international community.
Source: aajtak
The Implications of Recognition
Formal recognition paves the way for economic and political relationships, with embassies established and granted diplomatic immunity. Only after such recognition can international loans be secured.
Russian recognition would significantly impact the global landscape, asserting Russia's prowess equal to that of the US. This move may deflate ISIS-K and other terror factions' hostilities as Russia seeks stability, especially amidst the conflict with Ukraine. Moscow appears ready to quell any uprising, particularly within predominantly Muslim regions like Chechnya, and Taliban support could be vital.
In 2022, Putin proclaimed that if America and EU countries have their paths and socio-political systems, Asian states, Islamic States, and Gulf nations have their rights. It seems an attempt to align with the Islamic mindset countries, including the Taliban.
Source: aajtak
