THE TALIBAN’S TAKEOVER IN AFGHANISTAN; AN UNCEREMONIOUS END & A CONFOUNDING BEGINNING

Abstract

This paper discusses the implications of the recent fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and its impact on the region and global politics. The paper argues that the United States needs to accept the strategic defeat in Afghanistan and learn from its mistakes, including engaging with the Taliban to ensure a sustainable political settlement in Kabul. The paper also emphasizes the need for constructive engagement with the Taliban to address the bigger challenges, such as dismantling ISIS and al-Qaeda, and preventing the country from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism. The paper highlights the challenges associated with the Taliban's governance, particularly in terms of human rights, and argues that instead of continuing adversarial relations, the United States should work with regional powers to encourage the Taliban to adopt a more inclusive political system. The paper also underscores the importance of international recognition for the Taliban, which could be used as leverage to bargain for flexibility in governance, particularly regarding human rights and counterterrorism. Overall, the paper suggests that a regional consensus among powers such as China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran, backed by the United States, could convince the Taliban to move toward a more inclusive political system that would provide a sustainable political settlement for the competing forces in Afghanistan.