Times for some diplomacy after five years of Taliban

Five years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, the Afghan authorities have been forging diplomatic connections with various countries, despite their lack of formal recognition. Russia stands alone among nations that officially recognize the Taliban government, while Western countries often request domestic reforms on human rights before considering formal recognition as well.

Nevertheless, many states continue engaging with the Taliban leaders due to practical considerations. In Kabul, embassies, travel agencies, and a billboard proclaiming "We're all connected" stand as testament to this diplomatic strategy. The Taliban authorities have hosted envoys from various nations, including China, Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Britain, highlighting the importance of regional countries and neighboring states for economic ties and interests.

As landlocked Central Asian nations seek trade routes through Afghanistan, officials from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan gathered in Kabul for economic cooperation. Cross-border infrastructure projects are being touted as a way to boost the country's fragile economy, with the government attracting firms from neighboring countries like China.

However, foreign funds remain scarce due to the Taliban's limited official recognition, and rumors about Iran following Russia's lead have not come to fruition.

Despite the lack of recognition, many Taliban officials travel abroad, including a delegation to Brussels in June for talks with 15 EU nations about returning failed asylum-seekers to Afghanistan. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani for alleged crimes against humanity over the persecution of women and girls.

Meanwhile, Afghan women are still banned from places like UN premises, a rule that remains in force despite a visit by UN agency heads.

In the political climate of Afghanistan, multiple nations have stepped in when the country went to war with Pakistan, with China hosting talks to prevent the fighting. Additionally, India has strengthened its ties with the Taliban government, securing a sanctions waiver for its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit. A UN source in Kabul suggests that engagement with the Afghan government is the current reality, as the world must deal with multiple issues related to the Taliban authorities.