Russia’s Supreme Court has decided to lift the ban on Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban group, which had been designated a terrorist organization for over two decades. The move is being seen as a diplomatic victory for the Taliban, who were added to Moscow’s list of terrorist organizations in 2003, making any contact with them punishable by law. This decision comes after last year’s adoption of a law allowing the court to suspend the official designation of a terrorist organization. Russian officials have highlighted the importance of engaging with the Taliban to help stabilize Afghanistan, as the Taliban have attended various forums in Russia as Moscow attempts to position itself as a regional power broker.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 as US and NATO troops were in the process of withdrawing from the country after a twenty-year war. Initially promising a more moderate rule, the Taliban quickly imposed strict restrictions on women and girls, including barring them from most jobs, public places, and education beyond the sixth grade. The United Nations has called on the Taliban to lift these bans, which have led to a decrease in foreign aid to the country. Despite these measures, the Taliban have established diplomatic ties with countries like China and the United Arab Emirates. However, their strict interpretation of Islamic law, including public executions, has isolated them on the world stage.
Some members of the Taliban have expressed a desire for greater engagement with the international community and a softening of harsh policies to attract more outside support. Recent months have seen increased contact between the Taliban and the US, mostly regarding prisoner exchanges and releases. Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with the Crisis Group’s Asia Program, believes that lifting the Taliban’s terrorist group designation will make it easier for individuals and businesses to engage with Afghanistan but may not have many other significant benefits. South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman noted that many countries had never formally designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization, making the Russian decision less groundbreaking, although he characterized it as a “win-win” for bilateral relations.
The decision by the Russian Supreme Court to lift the ban on the Taliban is expected to have positive implications for bilateral relations between Russia and Afghanistan. For Russia, the move is seen as a confidence-building measure that could lead to more engagement with the Taliban and help Moscow protect its interests in Afghanistan, particularly concerns about anti-Russia terror groups like Islamic State-Khorasan. At the same time, the decision is beneficial for the Taliban, as it provides them with a legitimacy boost and international acceptance of their rule. While the Taliban’s reinstatement may facilitate trade and political ties with Kabul, the extent of the impact of this decision remains uncertain. The lifting of the ban on the Taliban reflects Moscow’s interest in improving relations and could potentially lead to a shift in how the international community engages with the group.
