The Taliban crave recognition but refuse to do anything to earn it
Afghanistan’s neighbours are wondering how on earth to deal with it
BEFORE THEIR rout by American-led forces in 2001, the Taliban and their rule in Afghanistan were bywords for medieval violence, bigotry and misogyny. When they swept back to power in August as America effected a calamitous withdrawal, their leadership promised that a new and improved Taliban had come to run the country. Peace and harmony would prevail. They would show mercy to enemies and concern for the vulnerable. They would manage the economy well. And they would engage with other countries, including their former enemy.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “One-way street”
Asia May 14th 2022
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- The Taliban crave recognition but refuse to do anything to earn it
- Fifty years after America returned Okinawa to Japan, it still feels cut off
From the May 14th 2022 edition
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