This article critically analyses Afghanistan's future in the aftermath of the third Doha Accord, scheduled from June 30th to July 1st, 2024. Addressing issues from economic vulnerability to regional terrorism, it explores the exclusion of women from these pivotal discussions, highlighting gender disparities and human rights violations in Afghanistan's transitional process. While Taliban participation marked a positive step, the article examines intricate dynamics influencing Afghanistan's journey towards stability.
By Ayesha Zafar
Introduction
Afghanistan has been mired in instability for decades, grappling with continuous conflict and violations of human rights. The urgency to engage the Taliban leadership in addressing these growing challenges has never been more critical. In response to this pressing need, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, during her visit to Kabul in May 2024 invited officials of the Islamic Emirate to attend the third Doha meeting, scheduled from June 30th to July 1st, 2024 [1]. According to Rosemary DiCarlo, the meeting aims to “increase international engagement with Afghanistan in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner" [2]. It focuses on bringing together international diplomats and Afghan representatives to address the nation's most pressing challenges.
Voices from Around the World: International Delegates at Doha
For the first time, the Taliban leadership agreed to attend these UN-sponsored talks. During the opening session, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated “Our participation in this Doha meeting demonstrates that, despite the considerations we have, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is committed to positive engagement” [3]. He further emphasised "We urge all countries not to abandon the Afghan people in difficult times and to actively participate in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic strengthening” [4]. Delegations from about thirty other countries also attended the talks, including Qatar’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Faisal bin Abdullah al-Hanzab, and the United States (US) special representatives for Afghanistan, Thomas West and Rina Amiri [5]. The presence of such a diverse group underlines the international community's commitment to achieving a future where Afghanistan is at peace internally and with its neighbours.
Main Agenda Items
The Taliban were eager to discuss restrictions on the country’s financial and banking systems. Zabihullah Mujahid called for the unfreezing of all foreign reserves of Da Afghanistan Bank, which he asserted were the legitimate property of the Afghan people and essential for the bank’s monetary policy implementation [6]. The Taliban demanded the release of about $7 billion of the country’s central bank reserves that are frozen in the US [7]. Mujahid explained that unfreezing Afghanistan’s assets would enable Da Afghanistan Bank to fulfil its foreign currency obligations. “The continued freezing of these reserves has severely impaired the ability of commercial banks to meet the currency needs of their clients, both domestically and internationally. Consequently, customers are often forced to resort to illegal methods to sustain their trade operations,” Mujahid said [8].
Apart from this, Afghanistan has long struggled with the illicit drug trade, being the world’s largest producer of opium. Taliban leadership, therefore, discussed ways of providing farmers with alternative livelihood sources following the ban on poppy cultivation in April 2022 [9]. The Taliban maintain that their crackdown on narcotics, including the aforementioned nationwide ban, has almost ended illicit drug production in the country [10]. The UN has endorsed these claims, stating that the prohibition has resulted in a 95% decrease in drug production in a country that was previously one of the world's largest producers [11]. The UN aims to establish working groups that would focus on helping farmers replace poppy cultivation with other crops [12].
Pakistani special envoy Asif Khan Durrani raised additional matters of concern. The issue of safe havens for the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups was a significant point of contention. Ambassador Durrani reportedly pressed the Afghan side to take measures against these armed organisations [13]. The discussions also covered the activities of the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) militant group, which has recently extended its influence to countries like Russia [14]. The matter of Afghan refugees was another critical topic, with Durrani urging sponsor countries that have pledged to accept Afghan nationals to expedite their resettlement processes without further delay.
Women Left Out of Negotiations
As delegates convened to discuss Afghanistan's future, the exclusion of women from the meeting sparked widespread criticism. The UN has been called out for extending an invitation to the Taliban and for making compromises by excluding Afghan women from participation [15]. This not only undermines the potential for lasting peace but also neglects fundamental values of equality essential to any transitional process. Women in Afghanistan have been increasingly denied access to education and employment, and restrictions have been placed on their movement and presence in public spaces since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expressed deep concern about the exclusion of Afghan women in the third Doha accord. "Failure to ensure participation will only further silence Afghan women and girls already facing escalating violations of their rights" the committee said earlier this week [16]. Despite the criticism, Mujahid urged the international community during the third Doha accord to look past the measures imposed on Afghan women and girls for the sake of improving foreign relations [17]. He emphasised that the Taliban uphold certain religious and cultural values that “must be acknowledged” to facilitate progressive bilateral relations rather than encountering disputes and stagnation [18].
Assessing the Path Forward for Afghanistan
The outcomes of the third Doha Meeting underscore the complex path ahead for Afghanistan. Despite efforts to engage the Taliban in diplomatic dialogue, concerns persist regarding the exclusion of Afghan women from pivotal discussions. This exclusion undermines prospects for inclusive peace. By sidelining Afghan women and civil society, the UN risks legitimising a regime with a troubling human rights track record. Economically, Afghanistan remains deeply vulnerable, with over a quarter of its population reliant on food assistance amidst ongoing humanitarian crises, exacerbated by years of conflict and natural disasters.
Furthermore, Afghanistan's internal security landscape is deeply intertwined with regional dynamics, particularly concerning terrorism. The presence of groups like the TTP operating from Afghan soil has strained relations with neighbouring Pakistan. Despite claims of regional cooperation and efforts to combat terrorism, concerns persist about the Taliban's ability or willingness to effectively govern and secure Afghanistan against extremist elements. The path forward requires a balanced approach that respects human rights and effectively counters terrorism to foster lasting stability and prosperity for all.
Conclusion
Afghanistan continues to navigate a turbulent path towards stability, complicated by ongoing conflict, economic fragility, and human rights challenges. Sustainable progress in Afghanistan hinges on robust international support that balances diplomatic engagement with unwavering commitments to fundamental freedoms and gender equality. The outcomes of the third Doha Meeting serve as a critical juncture for reevaluating strategies to ensure that Afghanistan's future is shaped by inclusive governance and respect for all its citizens' rights.
References
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