The Neighbourhood Scope || The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has completed two years in power. While no country has formally recognised the new regime, the members of the group’s interim cabinet have been meeting officials from Western and regional countries. Notwithstanding these engagements, the group has been unabashedly dismantling the rights and freedoms of women and ethnic minorities. The fanciful expectations of a reformed and relatively moderate Taliban regime have fallen flat. Even though the economic indicators have stabilised, common Afghans are still reeling under desperation for a better life. The growing attacks by the ISKP and the Taliban’s regressive justice delivery mechanisms have further exacerbated the country’s problems. Two years since the withdrawal of US forces from the country, there are questions that demand closer scrutiny.

In light of increasing factionalism, terror attacks, and dissent, will the Taliban be able to seek legitimacy, maintain their regime, and eventually gain recognition? How are common Afghans perceiving the regime and it's 'medieval' policies? How is the international community engaging with the Taliban on critical issues like terrorism, human rights, economic crisis, and climate change? How potent is the threat from ISKP to the regime and the broader region? With an increase in threats, counterthreats, and terror attacks inside Pakistan, how will the situation along the AfPak border evolve in the future, and impact the region?

Speakers:
Tricia Bacon, Associate Professor, American University, USA
Raghav Sharma, Associate Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University, India
Rajiv Sinha, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India
Shivam Shekhawat, Research Assistant, Observer Research Foundation, India

Moderator:
Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India

#Afghanistan #Taliban #Khorasan

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