Five years after the Taliban swept to power, does the West have any influence?

Five years after the Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan, the question arises: does the West still have any influence? The answer is complex and divisive. While the Taliban controls various aspects of the country, including tax revenues and international business deals, they remain shackled by sanctions imposed due to their history of terrorism and human rights violations.

The world has had little success engaging with the Taliban to bring about meaningful change. Women's rights, a significant concern before the Taliban's arrival, have only worsened, with girls banned from attending school past the age of 12 and women facing restrictions on public interaction. The international community is split on the best course of action, with some focusing on human rights and others on investment opportunities.

The Taliban, now in control, have grown in confidence and consolidated their power despite opposition, collecting tax revenues and forging partnerships with various countries. However, formal diplomatic recognition remains elusive. The West is losing ground in the recognition debate as more nations confer de facto recognition by engaging with the Taliban.

Despite international attention on conflicts elsewhere, Afghanistan has been largely ignored, which former UN officials describe as an unstable and dangerous equilibrium. The US, in particular, has distanced itself from the situation, eliminating its special envoy position and dismantling key agencies. Even within the Taliban ranks, there are dissenting voices calling for a more engaged relationship with the international community.