Opinion-editorial - In global politics, alliances are not static; they are based on pragmatic interests, which often lead to shifts in relations between nations. The case of the Taliban in Afghanistan is a prime example of how former adversaries can turn into partners, and how political dynamics evolve over time.

History provides us with several instances where former enemies became allies. For example, despite the United States' atomic bombings of Japan during World War II, Japan is now one of the U.S.'s closest allies. Similarly, European countries that were once bitter enemies in the two World Wars now maintain strong ties. Even countries with tense histories, like Pakistan and Russia, are improving their diplomatic relations. In the case of Afghanistan, although the Taliban's past is marred by conflict, their present cannot be overlooked. The Taliban have demonstrated a willingness to engage diplomatically with major global powers, including Russia and the U.S., indicating a shift in their foreign policy and political approach.

A significant mistake would be to disregard the Taliban as a mere militant group. The reality is that the Taliban now control Afghanistan, which is a strategically important country in Asia. Despite widespread opposition, with some estimates suggesting that 80% of the world may be against the Taliban, their authority in Afghanistan is undeniable. The Taliban are not just a guerrilla force but the governing entity of an entire nation, with the power to shape the country’s future.

The question that arises is whether ignoring or imposing further sanctions on the Taliban will help resolve Afghanistan’s ongoing crises. The world cannot afford to overlook Afghanistan, especially given its central role in Asia. The country’s location makes it an important player in the region, and neighboring nations will inevitably engage with the Taliban in trade, military, and diplomatic affairs. Countries like Russia, China, and India have already engaged with the Taliban despite the ongoing challenges and sanctions. These regional powers understand that Afghanistan’s stability directly impacts their own interests, whether economic or geopolitical.

The sanctions imposed by the West, especially the U.S., have had limited effectiveness in the current geopolitical scenario. Their impact has diminished as countries around the world, particularly in Asia, have increasingly diversified their economic partnerships. The global economy is no longer solely dependent on the West, and this shift is forcing nations to reconsider their approach to Afghanistan and the Taliban. In this context, continuing sanctions against the Taliban and Afghanistan will likely achieve little in terms of international objectives but will only harm the Afghan population, already suffering from severe economic hardships.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is worsening. Millions of people are facing severe food insecurity, and many are deprived of basic human rights, such as access to education, healthcare, and employment. The world must recognize that the true victims of this prolonged conflict are the Afghan people, who have been caught in the crossfire of international and internal politics. If the international community genuinely believes in human rights and humanitarian aid, it must reconsider its approach to Afghanistan.

The Taliban have demonstrated an ability to govern and engage diplomatically. Rather than isolating them, the world should focus on engaging with them constructively to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is addressed. The Taliban's integration into the global community could lead to more positive outcomes for Afghanistan, including economic development, peace, and stability.

The reality is that the Taliban are unlikely to be ousted from power. Their role as the governing entity of Afghanistan is now entrenched, and attempting to dismantle them would result in even greater suffering for the Afghan people. If the world is serious about improving the situation in Afghanistan, it must accept the Taliban as the de facto rulers of the country and engage with them diplomatically.

The global community has an obligation to help the Afghan people, whose suffering has been largely ignored in the name of political interests. Ending the sanctions, restoring diplomatic ties, and working with the Taliban to address the dire humanitarian needs of the Afghan population would be a step in the right direction. Afghanistan’s future can only be shaped through engagement, not isolation. The world must prioritize humanity over politics and make the difficult, yet necessary, decision to recognize Afghanistan's sovereignty and support its people through these challenging times.