Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 07/Aug 06:56

The UN’s Call To Sanctions Taliban – OpEd

The recent UN report on sanctions against the Taliban, released in early July, provides a sobering update on the state of Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The report paints a grim picture of Afghanistan as a sanctuary for terrorism, highlighting the regime’s ongoing support for extremist groups and its failure to maintain control over various insurgent factions. The findings call for immediate and robust action to reinforce international sanctions and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions. The report underscores that Afghanistan remains a hotbed for over two dozen terrorist groups, with the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence allegedly providing oversight. The resurgence of Al-Qaeda is particularly concerning. The report indicates that Al-Qaeda’s training camps are expanding and that operatives are being integrated into Taliban security forces. This development not only threatens regional stability but also poses a global security risk. The Taliban’s inability to manage ISIS-K, a regional offshoot of ISIS, further exacerbates the situation. Despite being a significant concern, the Taliban has shown little capability or willingness to contain ISIS-K’s activities. Similarly, the Taliban’s failure to control the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an anti-Pakistan insurgent group, adds another layer of instability to the region. The report also reveals disturbing practices, such as the issuance of Afghan identities and passports to foreign fighters, which effectively facilitates the operations of extremist groups. The Taliban’s reliance on terrorism as a means of maintaining power is evident from the report’s findings. The establishment of “jihadi madrassas” to indoctrinate young students into extremist ideology highlights the regime’s commitment to perpetuating its radical views. These religious schools not only train future militants but also serve as breeding grounds for continued violence and instability. The report details numerous acts of terror perpetrated by the Taliban against Afghan civilians. These include the targeting of former government officials—such as those in the intelligence, military, and judicial sectors—for detention, disappearance, and extrajudicial killings. This brutal approach serves as a tool for consolidating power and silencing opposition. Additionally, the consolidation of suicide bombing capabilities under the Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, underscores the Taliban’s commitment to using terror as a method of control. Gender persecution remains another critical issue. The report highlights the regime’s continued enforcement of gender apartheid, which has led to widespread domestic violence and a rise in suicides among women. The Taliban’s policies severely restrict women’s rights and freedoms, contributing to a climate of fear and oppression. The effectiveness of UN sanctions as a tool of international diplomacy is at stake. The Taliban’s blatant disregard for sanctions undermines their efficacy and signals a broader challenge for global foreign policy tools. The report reveals that the Taliban has appointed 61 individuals from the sanctions list to senior positions within the regime. This not only flouts international intent but also demonstrates the Taliban’s defiance of global norms. Moreover, there have been numerous instances of listed individuals traveling internationally, such as Sirajuddin Haqqani’s trips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These actions further erode the credibility and effectiveness of sanctions, as requests for exemptions are often made after the trips have already commenced or concluded. Such behavior highlights the need for stronger enforcement and greater international cooperation to ensure that sanctions are respected and upheld. Given the current situation, it is imperative to strengthen the sanctions regime. The report identifies Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada as a central figure in perpetuating terrorism and human rights abuses. His consolidation of power and control over the Taliban’s security apparatus, as well as his role in the regime’s ideological indoctrination efforts, make him a key target for sanctions. Including Akhundzada, along with other prominent figures such as Taj Mir Jawad and Hajji Najib Rahmatullah, on the sanctions list would send a powerful message of international condemnation and accountability. The argument that adding these names might hinder humanitarian efforts or jeopardize American hostages is a valid concern but should not outweigh the need to enforce sanctions. The UN has mechanisms in place to deliver humanitarian aid independently of sanctions listings. Additionally, past strategies of engaging with the Taliban to combat ISIS-K have proven ineffective, underscoring the need for a more robust approach. Balancing humanitarian considerations with the need to uphold international norms is crucial. Strengthening the sanctions regime is essential for maintaining global order and demonstrating a commitment to human rights and rule of law. The current leniency towards the Taliban undermines the efficacy of sanctions and risks further destabilizing the region. In conclusion, the UN report highlights the urgent need to reinforce the sanctions regime against the Taliban. By holding key figures accountable and reinforcing the international commitment to peace and security, the global community can work towards addressing the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and ensuring that justice is served. The international community must act decisively to uphold global norms and protect the rights and safety of Afghan citizens.