Explained: Why Taliban want to be globally recognised

NEW DELHI: The Taliban have been busy working out the contours of a new government in

Afghanistan

to formalise their firm grip on power.

The last time Taliban were in power in the late 1990s, their rule was recognised by just three nations: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

This time, however, the group wants to cast a wider net globally to secure some form of international legitimacy.



A mix of careful PR, assurances on women's rights and tough talk on terror are indication that Taliban are consciously trying to whitewash their hardline image before the

world

.

But what's prompting this image makeover?
The Taliban need money to govern and run Afghanistan, which has urbanized and tripled in size since they were last in power two decades ago.

But the group lacks access to billions of dollars from Afghanistan's central bank and the International Monetary Fund that would keep the country running during a turbulent shakeup. The Taliban do not have institutional structures to receive the money either.



Without international recognition, this money will remain out of Taliban's reach.

As of now, the Taliban cannot access almost all of the Afghanistan central bank's $9 billion in reserves, most of which is held by the New York Federal Reserve.

Afghanistan was also slated to access about $450 million on August 23 from the International Monetary Fund, which has effectively blocked the release because of a “lack of clarity” regarding the recognition of a new Afghan government.

US President Joe Biden said recently that Taliban are going through an existential crisis as they seek recognition by the international community as being a legitimate government.

And while Taliban still have access to revenue streams that sustained the insurgency in the last two decades, the money won't be enough for a centralized government that can assert fuller control on the country.



But a wider global support to a Taliban government hinges on the group's actions on human rights and keeping terror groups from gaining influence in Afghanistan.

Challenges aplenty
Despite their many assurances, much of the world doesn't really trust Taliban yet.

Canada has already said it does not intend to recognize a Taliban government in Afghanistan, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying he continues to view the group as a terrorist organization.

In less than 10 days of Taliban takeover, there have already been reports of terrorists being freed from prison and women's rights being curtailed in many areas.

Chaotic evacuations at airport have further dented the image-building efforts as hundreds of people were seen scrambling to fly out of the war-torn country every day.

For the Taliban themselves, the image makeover has to be balanced with maintaining support among their own rank-and-file, the ultraconservative Muslim fighters who brought them to power.

This balancing act is clear from the group's recent statements.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Thursday reaffirmed that the group wants good relations with other countries and will not allow Afghanistan to be a base for attacks. But he said the Taliban would not tolerate any threat to “our principles and our independence.”

He had earlier said Taliban will protect the rights of women, but within the framework of sharia.

"There are reasons to think that when push comes to shove, the internal dimensions of this are going to be prioritized over the external dimensions,” said Laurel Miller, director of the Asia program at the Crisis Group, an international think tank.

China, Russia's overtures
While the western countries have hardened their stand against any Taliban-ruled government, China and Russia are already moving to build ties.

Both countries, along with Iran and Pakistan, have kept their embassies open and are in constant touch with the Taliban representatives.

While they are yet to formally recognise Taliban, there have been indications they are open to establishing strong ties in the future.

China has already hinted at stepping up financial assistance to the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying it will play a “positive role” in helping the war-ravaged country.

Taliban themselves have been warming up to Beijing with its representative meeting Chinese foreign minister last month ahead of their offensive.

Even amid Western resistance, Taliban may hope to gain some global heft with China and Russia keeping their doors open for future ties.

(With inputs from AP)