Russia becomes first country to officially recognize Taliban

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Russia-Afghanistan relations are all-time high after Taliban led government recognized by Putin.

Taliban came to the government in Afghanistan in 2021 after twenty years of ousting.

Taliban established “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”, after fighting 20 year of war against US led coalition and Afghanistan national army.

US and coalition of over 40 countries (including all NATO members) ousted than Taliban rule in Afghanistan in December 2001.

The initial success in the war led to formation of a new government in the country, which was backed by US and its allies.

Taliban soon took back control of certain parts of the country (mostly villages and rural areas.) The stronghold of Taliban, and then kept on with the war for 20 year against the US led coalition.

On 29 February 2020, the United States and the Taliban signed a conditional peace deal in Doha.

The peace deal required U.S. troops withdrawal from Afghanistan within 14 months, and in turn Taliban cooperation, with terms like, “commitment to prevent terrorist groups from operating in Afghanistan and to participate in intra-Afghan peace talks.”

The than, US president Joe Biden moved up the target withdrawal date from April 2022 to 11 September 2021 and then to 31 August 2021.

As US led forces evacuated from Afghanistan, the Afghan government led army proved fragile with US support and fall within weeks against battle hardened Taliban.

Taliban rule since 2021

As soon as the Taliban came to power, it requested international support and recognition of its government.

But staunch supporters like Pakistan, China and Russia kept refrain from recognizing the Taliban government, though kept supporting it with trade and humanitarian support to the war torn country.

Regional countries, including India, Japan, Türkiye, Iran, Turkmenistan and Qatar, also kept working with the Taliban government.

Life in Afghanistan remains difficult, in the absence of international recognition of its government, trade, and frozen assets. But significant achievements like, stable life, Taliban strict work against drugs, diplomatic work has also been seen.

Russia support for Taliban

Russia has been a staunch supporter of Taliban since a long time, even before it was in power, Russia called for Taliban's “inclusion in interim Afghan government” back in 2021, when peace talks with US and Afghan government were taking place.

What next for Afghanistan?

The first recognition of Taliban led Afghanistan government came from Russia, this would pave the way for more countries recognizing the government led by Taliban.

The next few countries that might recognize the Taliban government would be, China, Pakistan, Türkiye, Iran, and many other regional players.

This wider recognition will open new trade roots, bring economic prosperity and eventually the US and west might also recognize the Taliban rule and release sanctions and foreign assets.

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