KABUL, July 6 (TNF): Russia’s formal recognition of the Taliban government has sparked mixed reactions among Afghans. Some see hope for economic growth, while others doubt it will ease their hardships.
On Thursday, Russia became the first nation to recognise the Taliban since they seized power in 2021. This follows steps like removing the Taliban from its “terrorist organisation” list and accepting an ambassador. No other country had recognised the Taliban in the nearly four years since they toppled the foreign-backed government when US-led troops withdrew after two decades of war. Afghanistan remains one of the poorest nations, still reeling from 40 years of conflict.
“With all the current challenges, everyone is worried. If the world recognises Afghanistan, we will be happy. Right now, even the smallest thing matters,” said Gul Mohammad, 58, in Kabul on Friday. He recalled losing everything during the Soviet invasion in 1979 and fleeing to Pakistan. But he said, “The priorities are different now.”
Jamaluddin Sayar, 67, a retired pilot, voiced optimism. “Trade and economic prosperity will now blossom,” he said. He urged other nations, both Western and Eastern, to recognise the government and “stop spreading propaganda against the Islamic Emirate,” the Taliban’s name for their rule.
Russian and Afghan officials welcomed the recognition, calling it a step toward stronger ties in security and economic matters. The Taliban have promised that Afghan soil won’t be used to plan attacks on other countries. But relations with Pakistan have soured over a rise in cross-border militancy since the Taliban took over. Last year, an attack claimed by Islamic State’s Afghanistan branch killed 137 people at a Moscow concert hall, adding to global concerns about security threats from Afghanistan.
Despite the tight grip on dissent, some Kabul residents expressed doubt. Atef, a 25-year-old unemployed man who withheld his real name, said, “Afghanistan will fall into the traps of the Russians again. Challenges will rise, and ordinary people won’t benefit. People are struggling, and they will keep struggling with or without recognition.”
For Afghan women’s rights activists, the Russian move was a setback. They argued it “legitimises” Taliban policies that restrict women. Hoda Khamosh, an activist based in Norway, said, “Human rights groups are trying to have gender apartheid in Afghanistan recognised because the Taliban are a repressive regime against women. These recognitions will not lead to anything.”
English