The recent joint statement from the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, urging the de facto Afghan authorities to dismantle all terrorist groups and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism, marks a significant moment in the region’s geopolitical landscape. This statement is not just a diplomatic call to action but a sensible piece of advice that the Afghan Interim Government (AIG) must take seriously. The importance of this directive cannot be overstated, as the consequences of non-adherence could lead to further isolation of the Taliban-led government and squander opportunities for Afghanistan’s development and engagement with the international community.
The Moscow Format’s call for verifiable action by the AIG is rooted in legitimate concerns. Afghanistan, under the Taliban, is facing increasing scrutiny due to the presence of terrorist organizations within its borders, some of which are a direct threat to neighboring countries. The AIG’s refusal to dismantle these groups not only contravenes its international obligations but also endangers the fragile stability it currently enjoys.
Failing to address these concerns could isolate Afghanistan further. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, the country has been largely marginalized by the international community. Despite some countries engaging diplomatically with the Taliban, Afghanistan remains in economic freefall, with frozen assets and limited access to foreign aid. If the AIG continues to ignore the concerns raised by the Moscow Format, it risks further diplomatic and economic isolation, which would only exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in the country. The AIG stands at a crossroads where it must choose between playing a constructive role on the global stage or continuing down a path of isolation and extremism.
Despite maintaining relatively stable relations with the Taliban, regional powers such as Russia, Iran, China, and Central Asian nations have expressed their concerns regarding the growing terrorist threats from Afghanistan. These countries, particularly those bordering Afghanistan, have a vested interest in ensuring that the country does not once again become a breeding ground for terrorism. The presence of groups such as ISIS-K and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan poses direct security threats to these nations, who have already borne the brunt of terrorism in the past.
Russia and China, for example, are particularly concerned about the spread of radicalism and extremism into their territories, and the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan only heightens these fears. Central Asian states such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are on high alert due to their porous borders with Afghanistan, which terrorist groups could exploit to destabilize the region. The international community, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbors, has valid reasons to press the AIG to take concrete action against terrorism.
In the face of such concerns, it is imperative for the Taliban to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability. If the AIG fails to tackle these issues, regional powers may resort to more drastic measures, including strengthening their military presence along the Afghan border or potentially supporting opposition groups within Afghanistan, all of which would contribute to further instability.
The Taliban-led government’s internal challenges are immense, and they need to prioritize addressing the most pressing issues—namely, creating an inclusive government and ensuring human rights, especially women’s rights. Rather than focusing on suppressing women’s right to education through misguided religious interpretations, the Taliban should channel its energies toward addressing the real issues facing Afghanistan. The exclusion of women and minorities from public life only further erodes the legitimacy of the AIG in the eyes of the international community, and these regressive policies must change if Afghanistan is to move forward.
Additionally, Afghanistan’s role in global security cannot be ignored. For the larger interest of the country and the region, the AIG must block terrorist groups from gaining a foothold within its borders. History has already shown the consequences of allowing Afghanistan to become a base for global terror, as was the case prior to 2001. Afghanistan cannot afford to return to being a safe haven for terrorists. The international community, and Afghanistan’s neighbors in particular, will not tolerate such a scenario, and the consequences for the Afghan people would be dire.
Pakistan has also echoed the calls of the Moscow Format, urging the AIG to respect international norms and foster peace and cooperation across the region. Pakistan, which has a long and complicated history with Afghanistan, recognizes the importance of regional stability and has a vested interest in preventing Afghanistan from becoming a source of insecurity. The AIG must take this advice seriously, as ignoring it could further strain relations with Pakistan, a country that has historically been a key player in Afghan affairs.
Pakistan’s call for peace and cooperation is not just a diplomatic gesture but also a pragmatic necessity. Both countries share deep cultural, economic, and security ties, and instability in Afghanistan directly impacts Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban must, therefore, prioritize securing its borders and ensuring that Afghan soil is not used to undermine the security of its neighbors.
Ultimately, Afghanistan’s actions must align with its duty to contribute to global peace rather than fueling insecurity across borders. The Moscow Format’s joint statement is not merely a diplomatic nicety; it is a critical call for the AIG to take responsibility for its role in regional stability. Afghanistan’s future depends on its ability to rise to this challenge, dismantle terrorist networks, and build a nation that respects human rights and international norms. Only then can Afghanistan hope to emerge from its current isolation and play a constructive role in the region and the world.