The Taliban has announced that it now operates 39 diplomatic missions globally, despite not being officially recognized by any state as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Taliban “foreign minister” Amir Khan Muttaqi revealed that these missions, which include embassies and consulates, are “fully operating” under Taliban leadership. The development showcases growing informal cooperation with several countries, although no nation has granted formal recognition to the Taliban’s rule.
Countries like China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Iran have accepted Taliban diplomats, signaling diplomatic engagement despite a lack of formal endorsement. The recent acceptance of Taliban representatives by Oman further highlights the increasing reach of the group’s foreign policy efforts. China, in particular, has emerged as a significant ally, becoming the first to receive an official Taliban ambassador in December 2023.
However, many nations remain wary of the Taliban’s history as a terrorist organization. The group has reportedly been lobbying to be removed from terror lists in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and potentially Russia. These diplomatic overtures and developing ties are seen as part of the Taliban’s effort to gain greater international legitimacy and economic cooperation, particularly with countries interested in Afghanistan’s mineral resources.
The situation underscores the failure of U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to isolate the Taliban since their return to power following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The withdrawal was marked by the swift collapse of the Afghan government and military, allowing the Taliban to seize control of the country. Since then, Biden’s administration has faced criticism for providing the Taliban with nearly $11 million in payments for taxes and utility fees, as reported by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).
The Taliban’s rule has led to severe human rights abuses, particularly against women, who are now prohibited from public life, including showing their faces or speaking in public. The Taliban has also enforced strict Islamic rules on men, such as banning beard shaving and mixed martial arts. Despite these harsh restrictions, some countries are engaging with the Taliban, driven by strategic interests rather than recognition of its government.
