- Putin declares Taliban as allies against terrorism, acknowledging their control over Afghanistan.
- Taliban have fought against jihadist rival Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) for years.
- Since 2021, Taliban rule has imposed extreme Islamic law, restricting women’s public life.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that the Taliban, despite being a banned organization in Russia, are considered Moscow’s “allies” in the fight against terrorism due to their control over Afghanistan. Speaking in Astana, Putin highlighted the need to recognize the Taliban’s authority in the region, emphasizing their shared interest in maintaining stability.
Moscow has nurtured relations with the Taliban for several years, even though they have been banned in Russia since 2003. Last month, Putin advocated for strengthening ties with the Taliban government, acknowledging their de facto control over Afghanistan.
Putin stated, “We must assume that the Taliban control the power in the country. And in this sense, the Taliban are, of course, our allies in the fight against terrorism because any authorities are interested in stability in the state they govern.”
The Taliban have long been engaged in a conflict with their jihadist rival, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K). In March, IS-K fighters carried out a devastating attack on a Moscow concert hall, resulting in over 140 deaths, marking the deadliest terror incident in Russia in nearly two decades.
Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed a severe interpretation of Islamic law, effectively banning women from public life. This extreme enforcement has drawn widespread criticism from international communities and human rights organizations.
Putin’s remarks underscore the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations, where strategic interests can lead to unexpected alliances, even with groups like the Taliban.
