Taliban's Rise: Has West Lost Influence in Afghanistan?
· side-hustles
The Erosion of Influence: A New Normal for Afghanistan?
Five years after the Taliban swept to power, the international community has been grappling with how to engage with this ultra-conservative Islamist movement. The situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, and it’s clear that the West’s influence is waning.
Afghan women like Najia are fighting for their right to work and be seen as more than just victims of circumstance. Her jam-making workshop in a whitewashed basement in a village south of Kabul was one of the rare spaces where women could gain skills and employment, but it has been squeezed by the Taliban’s latest rules. Women are now required to ask men to take their products to market, a move justified as necessary for “proper hijab” – an attempt to control every aspect of Afghan women’s lives.
The international response to this situation is fractured at best. Western countries are divided on the best course of action, with some prioritizing human rights and others focused on investment opportunities. Russia has formally recognized the Taliban’s rule, while other nations have opted for de facto recognition through diplomatic deals and trade agreements. The US, once a key player in Afghanistan, has largely withdrawn its influence under the current administration’s decision to eliminate the special envoy position and dismantle agencies like USAID.
Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, a founding member of the Taliban who differs with some of his emir’s edicts, emphasizes the desire for Afghanistan to be part of the international community. However, this sentiment is not universally shared within the Taliban ranks, and frustration with the world’s inability to forge a different kind of relationship is palpable.
The recent remarks by Zabihullah Mujahid, the main Taliban spokesman, highlighted the need for diplomats to “come closer” and engage with his regime. This nuanced approach is not without its risks, but some argue that it could lead to meaningful change. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, it’s clear that Afghanistan has fallen far under the world’s radar.
Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East dominate international attention, while Europe struggles to cope with the influx of Afghan refugees fleeing towards their shores. This is a stark reversal from the years 2001-2021, when Western countries poured effort into stabilizing Afghanistan. As we mark this five-year inflection point in Afghanistan’s history, it’s clear that the West’s influence has eroded significantly. The question now is whether it’s time for a new approach – one that prioritizes cooperation over confrontation and seeks to engage with the Taliban on their own terms.
Reader Views
- MLMei L. · etsy seller
The Taliban's rise is a perfect storm of geopolitics and human rights failures. Western nations are struggling to find common ground on how to engage with this ultra-conservative regime, while Afghanistan's women are bearing the brunt of their inaction. But what about the economic incentives that are driving some countries to legitimize the Taliban? We need a more nuanced discussion about the role of foreign investment and aid in perpetuating – or challenging – these repressive policies.
- RHRiley H. · indie hacker
The West's influence in Afghanistan is indeed waning, but that's not entirely due to its own failures. The Taliban's resurgence was facilitated by external factors like US military overreach and Pakistan's clandestine support. What's striking is the divergence between those who still see economic investment as a viable way forward and those prioritizing human rights. We need to question whether trying to negotiate with an ultra-conservative regime is even worth it, or if we should focus on supporting Afghan civil society instead. That approach would at least allow for some semblance of local agency in shaping the country's future.
- THThe Hustle Desk · editorial
The West's influence in Afghanistan has indeed been waning, but what's often overlooked is the role of local actors and regional powers. As the international community dithers over how to engage with the Taliban, countries like Iran and Pakistan are quietly expanding their economic and strategic footholds in the region. This shadowy landscape raises important questions about whether a return to "normal" in Afghanistan would simply mean a new set of puppet masters pulling the strings from behind the scenes.