The Shanghai Regional Cooperation Organization and the dilemma of Recognizing Taliban in Afghanistan
By: Contribution for Syrializm
In the beginning, the Western society believed that, with the presence of American forces and NATO forces in the country, and their support for the political regime in Kabul, Afghanistan would transform into an active state in the international community.
This was seen as a culmination of the efforts by the United States and its allies, with credit attributed to them.
However, this turned out to be nothing but an illusion and mirage.
Despite Afghanistan’s formal presence within the international community and its efforts to support its membership in regional and international groups, such as being accepted as an observer member in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the country remained far from achieving stability.
Perhaps with good intentions or a desire for an organization with regional and international weight, especially considering the roles of its member states in the Afghan issue and their intersecting interests, it was necessary for the organization, established perhaps coincidentally three months before the events of September 11, to address the organized chaos in Afghanistan that persisted for twenty years.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an international political, economic, and security organization, was founded on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai by the leaders of six Asian countries: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Its charter was signed a year later (June 2002) and entered into force in September 2003, with worth noting that both India and Pakistan joined the organization in June 2017, and Iran to join as well.
Looking at the member countries of the organization, we can understand the importance of Afghanistan’s presence in and the significance of this country to most member states due to its direct impact on them, as it seemed to be that the importance of Afghanistan’s to neighboring countries and those with significant interests in the region coming together in a unified regional entity cannot be overstated; Given the duty arising from the numerous aspects linking these nations to the interests in Afghanistan, it was imperative for these countries to unite as a single regional entity.
This unified entity should work towards achieving specific objectives, especially considering the challenges faced by a country like Afghanistan, which has been ravaged by wars and internal conflicts for half a century.
Additionally, the continued instability in Afghanistan poses a significant threat to the countries in the region.
For an organization like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, its goals revolve around enhancing mutual trust policies and good neighborliness among member states, combating terrorism, strengthening security, combating crime, drug trafficking, facing separatist and religious or ethnic extremist movements, as well as promoting cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, transportation, education, energy, tourism, and environmental protection fields, while providing peace, security, and stability in the region.
Hence, just add all these aspect to Afghanistan, you will get the entire jigsaw puzzle complete.
However, on reality Afghanistan in needs for all these aspects, especially after 20 years of US and NATO occupation, that made nothing.
More that Trillion and half dollar’s waste of money, week government that didn’t manage to stand alone for hours, as the Taliban, during the most time of the US military presence in the country continue to expand, until it took over.
Getting back to Afghanistan presence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the SCO-Afghanistan contact group was first created in 2005, later in 2012, Afghanistan received observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in areas of mutual interest, and in 2019, a road map of actions in the areas of regional cooperation in the interests of ensuring peace and security was developed.
However, things took sharp detour, as in August 2021, the Taliban came to power, so, the activities of the Contact Group were suspended.
Taliban hadn’t been officially recognized as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, and since the US chaotic withdrawal, the United immediately imposed sanctions on the country, leaving it to its fate.
Of course, the Taliban, looking to entire situation of Afghanistan, after decades of wars and destruction, with the fact that the money that was spent there is nowhere to be found, proving the government and the occupation force there where running things with no long terms strategies, with big sprinkle of theft and corruption, The Taliban movement there, as a de facto authority, found itself facing a severe bad reality at all levels, especially economic and developmental, without having the ability alone to do anything significant.
In this regard, they are in need for their neighboring countries to intervene and step up, to cooperate and provide in fields of transport, energy, trade, investment, development of technical and scientific potential.
Afghanistan as a country and as a geographical location isn’t poor, as in fact it owns large amount of resources and capabilities.
For those who don’t know, Afghanistan is believed to have significant lithium deposits, a crucial element in the manufacturing of batteries for electronic devices and electric vehicles, plus a substantial copper reserves, with the Aynak copper mine being one of the largest known copper deposits in the world.
Also, Afghanistan has sizable iron ore deposits, which could be valuable for the steel industry, besides other valuable resource such as Emeralds in Panjshir Valley, which is known for its emerald mines, producing high-quality emeralds, Lapis Lazuli, a blue gemstone.
Add to that, having significant natural gas reserves, which not fully developed, even has potential for the development of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power.
Afghanistan has fertile land suitable for agriculture, and it has historically been an important contributor to the economy, with country’s rivers and water sources that could support irrigation for agriculture.
Even opium, can be one of the elements can be produced for the right cause, adding to that the existence of various types of forests, providing timber and other wood products.
Thus, the country doesn’t need help, it needs assistant and cooperation with countries that able to contribute and invest in these resources for the mutual interests.
The creation and activities of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group indicate a regional approach to addressing issues related to Afghanistan, and the fact that Afghanistan received observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization suggested a recognition of mutual interests and potential collaboration.
The development of a roadmap in 2019 for regional cooperation reflected a proactive effort to promote stability, peace, and security in Afghanistan and the surrounding region, as this roadmap outlined specific actions and measures to enhance cooperation in areas such as transport, energy, trade, investment, and technical and scientific development.
The suspension of the Contact Group’s activities in August 2021, following the Taliban’s assumption of power, underscored the impact of significant political changes on regional cooperation dynamics.
The international community, including the SCO, faced challenges in adapting to the new political landscape in Afghanistan, with the Taliban in power, the resumption could indeed provide a platform for diplomatic engagement, fostering cooperation between regional countries and the Taliban-led government.
Such collaboration could contribute to stability in the region and potentially alleviate international pressure on the Taliban, however, challenges due to concerns about the Taliban’s governance, adherence to human rights, and potential conflicts with international norms; The effectiveness of the SCO Contact Group would depend on the willingness of all organization members involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground.
Meanwhile, and to increase the complexity of the situation, or perhaps as a positive intervention in Afghanistan this time, due to the conflict that has become a characteristic of the country, the Taliban finds itself facing terrorism today.
The Taliban has been engaging in conflicts across the entire Afghan territory for months with the ISIS-K, an organization (ISIS-K) that emerged from the umbrella of the Islamic State and remnants of al-Qaeda in the country.
At times, these elements were allies of the Taliban in facing US and Afghan government forces, however, today, former allies are confronting each other on the ground.
The ISIS-K views the Taliban differently now that the Taliban is leading the country’s government.
According to the organization, the Taliban has abandoned its principles and doctrine, becoming a lax model in applying “Islamic Sharia”.
Consequently, the ISIS-K is openly waging war against the Taliban government in Afghanistan, leading the country back to square one with internal conflicts, increased instability, and an inability to progress in development and construction efforts.
Since coming to power in 2021, the Taliban government has faced over 400 attacks from the ISIS-K in various regions.
Unfortunately, these confrontations in today’s global climate do not receive much media coverage, but that does not mean they are absent.
One reason the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is concerned about intervention is the threat posed to their interests and national security by the ISIS-K.
For example, the Pakistani embassy was attacked by the organization before (December 2022), and the Chinese government received threats from the organization last March, against the backdrop of accusations related to the practices adopted by the Chinese government against Muslims in the Xinjiang region.
China, as a key member and actually, founder of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, has interests in Afghanistan, the country historically was crucial in the historical SILK ROAD, and today stabilized Afghanistan is crucial to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The current situation is alarming as the United States, surprisingly, provides indirect air support to the Taliban government in attacking areas and ISIS-K targets.
We find ourselves living in a world dominated by chaos, it’s a theatrical farce to witness the United States after its withdrawal from Afghanistan, neighboring countries stand as mere spectators, and the Taliban that used to be classified as a terrorist organization is back in power, now combating terrorism with the United States indirect or even direct support, according to some reports.
It’s crucial for the Taliban government to receive support from neighboring countries and help follow a balanced path ensuring the country’s stability and meeting some international community requirements regarding human rights.
The current approach is not beneficial, and at the same time, the Taliban government is now in the position of an enemy to internationally classified terrorist forces.
This compelled the United States to support the Taliban government.
At this stage, entering a new conflict that threatens Afghan neighboring countries is unacceptable, whether by leaving the country a war zone or allowing the ISIS-K to seize power.
The Taliban government is in a precarious position, possibly facing internal upheaval from factions within itself, ideologically closer to the ISIS-K.
Even for conspiracy theorists, it is no longer acceptable for the United States to adopt the same twisted methods it has been accused of in supporting terrorist organizations to target and undermine stability and security in areas affecting national security and interests of countries opposing the United States.
Therefore, the current confrontation between the Taliban government and the ISIS-K deserves a dedicated investigation, exploring its historical, social, geopolitical, and security details comprehensively, perhaps will present it soon, but now, we find ourselves forced to ask: where is the role of Afghan neighboring countries, the ones with the first interest in ensuring the country’s stability, so they can work and cooperate with the legitimate government for the sake of demonstrating the difference between their approach and the American approach?
They should exert genuine efforts for the reconstruction and development of the country, establishing stability that allows them to work, invest, and benefit from Afghanistan’s vast resources.
China, fighting globally for more essential resources to support its economy and production power, needs to make serious efforts and lead the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in coordinated intervention in Afghanistan.
This can only happen through reactivating the organization’s contact group with Afghanistan, officially recognizing the Taliban government.
This action will help place Afghan neighboring countries and the international community at the forefront of ethical and legal responsibility for what is happening there.
It’s also essential to leverage the weight of organization member countries like China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and other Afghan neighboring countries.
The need for the organization’s contact group with Afghanistan benefits in various important aspects:
It serves as a mechanism for regional cooperation, and its activities are crucial for promoting stability in Afghanistan and the broader region; Resuming these activities can facilitate diplomatic channels, allowing neighboring countries to engage constructively with the new Afghan government.
It paves the way for joint projects and initiatives that benefit both Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, fostering economic growth and regional integration.
It helps reduce international pressure on the Taliban-led government, by engaging with the international community through established regional platforms, the Taliban may find avenues to address concerns and work towards gaining recognition, and this could potentially lead to the easing of sanctions imposed against the Taliban and Afghanistan.
The international community has expressed significant concerns about human rights issues in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the treatment of women and minorities, therefore, the Contact Group could provide a platform for discussions on these concerns, emphasizing the importance of upholding international norms and standards, and balancing regional cooperation with international expectations will be crucial for the success of the Contact Group’s efforts.
The security situation in Afghanistan is of paramount importance. and coordinating efforts to address shared security concerns, such as counterterrorism and border security, and collaborate security measures are crucial for preventing the resurgence of extremist groups and ensuring regional stability.
One major aspect is, that the Contact Group’s activities can extend beyond official diplomatic channels to include people-to-people interactions and cultural exchanges, by building bridges at the societal level can contribute to long-term stability and understanding among nations, utilizing soft power to foster positive relations.
In summary, the resumption of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group holds the potential to address a range of complex issues, from economic development to human rights concerns.
While challenges and uncertainties exist, engaging diplomatically through regional forums can be a pragmatic approach to fostering stability and cooperation in Afghanistan and the broader region.
The success of these efforts will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders and their willingness to navigate the intricate geopolitical landscape.
