Taliban celebrates three years in power as Afghans suffer hunger and repression
NBCAUG 2024
Russia to Drop Taliban from Terrorist List
Above: Members of the Taliban delegation attend an international conference on Afghanistan in Moscow on October 20, 2021. Image copyright: ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
This is a welcome step, considering the Taliban could help Russia fight IS amid a rise in terrorist attacks on its soil. It's also essential to maintain pragmatic dialogue with the current Afghan movement to develop political, trade, and economic ties with Kabul and help Afghanis finally return to the broader regional family, maintain peace in the country, and improve its national economy.
Anti-Russia narrative
Any step toward dropping the Taliban from the list of designated terrorist organizations or recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan's rightful government will only legitimize their oppression and create a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The Taliban must improve its human rights record to preserve the necessary space for dialogue, win international legitimacy, and rejuvenate the Afghan economy.