TALKS IN OSLO WITH TALIBAN - UPSC Current Affairs

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

A report on a peace conference held in Oslo, Norway, where representatives from the Taliban met with Indian and Pakistani special envoys, as well as officials from other countries and international diplomats.

Details

Taliban representatives met with Indian and Pakistani special envoys and international diplomats in Oslo.
The talks were organized by the Norwegian government to address the impasse in negotiations.
Afghan diaspora groups criticized the talks for legitimizing the Taliban.

Reasons for the Talks:

The Norwegian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of not isolating Afghanistan.
Isolation could worsen the situation for the Afghan people and create opportunities for terrorist groups like ISIS.
Three Afghan civil servants, not top leadership, participated in the talks to discuss major challenges in the country.

Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan:

Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis with acute food shortages and human rights violations, including the denial of education and employment to women by the Taliban.

India's Involvement:

India reopened its mission in Kabul in June 2022 and maintains a technical team overseeing aid and development initiatives.
India's recent shipment of 20,000 tonnes of wheat arriving via the Chabahar port in Iran was discussed during the talks.

Participants and Discussions:

Taliban officials held closed-door talks with special envoys from the U.S., the U.K., Norway, Qatar, India, and Pakistan, as well as the head of UNAMA.
Members of Afghan civil society, including a woman negotiator and a leading lawyer, also participated.
Concerns were raised about the decision to halt girls' education in Afghanistan.

Priority Areas for Stabilization:

Discussions highlighted priority areas to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.
The Taliban regime received admiration from the U.S. and European delegations for cracking down on opium production in the country.

Criticism and Legitimacy Concerns:

Afghan diaspora groups, including those in Norway, criticized the talks for legitimizing the Taliban.
Critics argue that engaging with the Taliban may give them undue credibility and reward their actions.

About Taliban

Emergence in the 1990s:

The Taliban emerged in the early 1990s in Afghanistan, primarily consisting of Afghan Pashtun students who were educated in religious schools in Pakistan.
They gained popularity by promising to bring stability, law, and order to a war-torn Afghanistan.

Rise to Power:

By 1996, the Taliban had captured Kabul and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, controlling around 90% of the country.
Their strict interpretation of Islamic law and harsh treatment of women drew international attention and condemnation.

Control and Rule:

Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan became a safe haven for terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden.
They imposed a severe version of Sharia law, restricting women's rights, banning forms of entertainment, and enforcing punishments such as public executions and amputations.
The destruction of ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan in 2001 drew global outrage.

International Response:

The Taliban's support for terrorism led to international isolation and sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as a response to the 9/11 attacks, with the goal of removing the Taliban from power and dismantling Al-Qaeda.

Taliban's Insurgency:

Following their removal from power, the Taliban regrouped and launched an insurgency against the Afghan government and international forces.
They found support among disenchanted segments of the Afghan population due to corruption, instability, and civilian casualties resulting from the conflict.

Negotiations and Fragmentation:

Over the years, several attempts were made to engage the Taliban in peace talks to find a political solution to the conflict.
The Taliban fragmented into different factions, with some more open to negotiations and others continuing the armed struggle.

Return to Power in 2021:

In August 2021, the Taliban swiftly captured major Afghan cities and ultimately took control of Kabul, leading to the collapse of the Afghan government and President Ashraf Ghani's departure.
The takeover was facilitated by the withdrawal of international troops, signaling the end of a 20-year military presence in Afghanistan.

International Recognition and Concerns:

The Taliban's return to power raised concerns about the future of human rights, particularly women's rights, and the potential for Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists once again.
Various countries and international organizations engaged in discussions with the Taliban, seeking assurances regarding inclusive governance, human rights, and the prevention of terrorism.

Ongoing Challenges:

The Taliban's rule faces significant challenges, including the need to address the
country's economic crisis, provide basic services to the population, and gain international recognition and support.
The international community closely watches the Taliban's actions and commitments, particularly regarding human rights, terrorism, and governance, as Afghanistan enters a new phase under their control.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Analyze the role of neighboring countries and global powers in shaping the future trajectory of Afghanistan under Taliban rule. (150 words)