Last month the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan participated in a UN-led conference in Doha, the first of three editions where a five-member Taliban delegation took part while women and civil society members remained absent. Three years since the Taliban overthrew the erstwhile Afghan Republic, their Islamic Emirate seems to be in a much more favourable strategic environment today. While no country has officially recognised their regime, countries in the region like China, Iran, Russia, India and the Central Asian Republics have initiated some form of engagement to further their strategic and security interests. The Taliban’s (mis)governance inside Afghanistan and close links with Al Qaeda, along with the growing threat posed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) which has now expanded its operations, all pose significant risk for a region already in turmoil.

How successful have the Taliban been in solidifying their internal strength and authority in Afghanistan? How have the Afghan people fared under the Emirate, especially women? In what context should we view the public diplomacy efforts that the group has undertaken to gain legitimacy from the international community? What is the state of terrorism in the country? How are terror organisations – both global and local – leveraging the Taliban’s governance? As the group sets to begin their fourth year in power, how do you see the international community’s engagement with the group moving forward? What shape will India’s policy towards Afghanistan take in the future and what consequences will the deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan have on the region? Can countries rely on the Taliban to further their interests? Is formal recognition a distant possibility?

Speakers: 

Jayant Prasad, Former Ambassador of India to Afghanistan
Shivam Shekhawat, Junior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India
Sadiq Amini, Public Diplomacy and International Security Expert
Amira Jadoon, Assistant Professor, Clemson University

Moderator:

Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India