Impasse and Options: The Challenges of Engaging with Afghanistan under the Taliban Rule

By Hameed Hakimi, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces in August 2021 has significantly altered the geopolitical and social landscapes of the region. This policy report delves into the complexities of engaging with the Taliban-led Afghanistan and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to navigate this challenging terrain. With the return of the Taliban to power, a new chapter in Afghanistan’s history has begun, characterized by both renewed uncertainty and the potential for recalibrated international relationships.

The withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan marked the end of America’s longest war, symbolized by the fall of Kabul. This transition was underpinned by the Doha Agreement of 2020, which was intended to pave the way for peace through intra-Afghan negotiations. However, the agreement failed to achieve lasting stability. Instead, it contributed to the factors that caused the eventual abrupt collapse of the Afghan Islamic Republic. The regional and international response to these developments has been mixed, with some countries viewing the withdrawal with varying levels of positivity. In contrast, others remain cautious about the Taliban’s ability to govern effectively and inclusively.

The international community now faces the dilemma of how to engage with the Taliban without legitimizing their rule or endorsing their policies, particularly edicts that restrict education, employment, and freedom of movement for Afghan women. This situation is further complicated by Afghanistan’s severe socioeconomic challenges, regional security concerns, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.