Former U.S. Ambassador: The International Community Should Not Recognize the Taliban

Ryan Crocker, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, has urged the international community to support resistance forces against the Taliban and refrain from granting them recognition. He emphasized that the Taliban continue to support terrorist groups, and legitimizing them would only strengthen their oppressive rule.

The Taliban Still Support Terrorist Groups

Speaking at the Herat Security Dialogue, Crocker stated that the Taliban have not only imposed severe restrictions on women and girls but also continue their cooperation with terrorist organizations. He pointed to the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of Al-Qaeda, in Kabul, saying:
“This event proved that the Taliban, despite their promises, still support Al-Qaeda. There is no indication that their behavior has changed.”

Warning Against Legitimizing the Taliban

Crocker stressed that recognizing the Taliban would be the biggest mistake the international community could make, as it would not only legitimize their rule but also their support for terrorism, suppression of women, and the ongoing economic crisis in Afghanistan.

He added:
“The Taliban have not changed; in fact, they are more dangerous than in the 1990s because they now have more experience.”

Supporting the Resistance Against the Taliban

The former U.S. ambassador urged the international community to stand with the Afghan people and support the resistance forces fighting against the Taliban. He warned that ignoring the Taliban’s threat would endanger both regional and global security.