Despite its stated desire to end international isolation and gain diplomatic recognition, the Afghan Taliban’s recent actions tell a different story. This contradiction was evident when the group declined to attend a regional meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Iran in Tehran on Sunday. The forum brought together special representatives from all of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, along with Russia, yet Kabul chose to stay away.
One possible reason for the Taliban’s absence may have been the likelihood of facing tough questions about militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, drew attention to this issue during the meeting, stressing that building trust with neighbouring states requires concrete action against militancy. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the importance of regional cooperation, describing Afghanistan’s neighbours as the most dependable partners in helping the country overcome its challenges. He also alluded to the failure of Western-led nation-building efforts, noting that externally imposed solutions had not delivered stability.
Such regional gatherings show that Afghanistan’s neighbours are prepared to engage with the Taliban authorities to support the Afghan population and help revive the economy. However, progress is impossible if the Taliban avoid dialogue. The central issue they continue to ignore is the presence of multiple militant organisations within Afghanistan, which remains the primary barrier to improved regional relations. While some groups, like the Islamic State, oppose the Taliban, others — including the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Al Qaeda — reportedly maintain friendly relations with them.
The impact of these groups is not limited to Pakistan alone. In recent weeks, attacks traced back to Afghanistan have also targeted Chinese workers in Tajikistan, resulting in fatalities. As long as such threats persist, the Taliban cannot expect normal diplomatic or economic engagement with other countries. Avoiding difficult conversations only deepens mistrust. Instead, the Taliban should engage openly with neighbouring states and address concerns over terrorism. Regional governments would likely support Kabul’s counterterrorism efforts if approached sincerely. Ultimately, the Taliban must decide whether to prioritise constructive relations with their neighbours and the broader international community, or continue their association with militant allies that keep Afghanistan isolated.
