Taliban regime’s eagerness for legitimacy is making inroads. In a surprise development, the UAE accepted the credentials of Badruddin Haqqani as ambassador from Afghanistan. This indeed pitches the reclusive regime closer to de jure recognition – and that too at a time when the dispensation in Kabul is falling back on promises to act against terrorism and forming an inclusive government. The UAE’s nod is likely to be reciprocated by Saudi Arabia and other Arab capitals as the convention is one of collective decision-making, per se. The Taliban have acted smartly, keeping their cool when adversity was at an all-time high. Befriending Russia, apart from gaining recognition from China and Nicaragua, is astute diplomacy from the novices.
The UAE’s weightage means a lot for Kabul. It reminds many of the troika recognition – also involving Riyadh and Islamabad – that came the way for the first Taliban dispensation. The fact that the United States is looking the other way and has not objected to the diplomatic protocol comes to underscore the independence and sovereignty with which the UAE has pushed the envelope as it is a regional economic power to reckon with. With Abu Dhabi manning many of the logistical, trade and monetary affairs of Kabul, apart from development and aviation, the new accolades should go a long way in making the Taliban realise that becoming part of the progressive liberal world is the way to go, instead of adopting regressive policies such as slapping ban on women and furthering the sense of otherness.
Confronting non-state actors and regional fissures, the Taliban regime is in need of the international community’s support. Peace in Afghanistan is sine qua non for regional progress, and that is why the bold gesture of China and the UAE to work with the Taliban rulers needs to be emulated. One cannot segregate a sovereign dispensation to just make it behave. The way out is to intermingle with it and let the waywardness of thought fall in line.
