The Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan

This post has been created on The Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan is based on article “A surge in radical governments, the hope of democracy” published in The Hindu on 20^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations

Context: The article discusses the international response to the rise of radical Islamic groups seizing power in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, and the recent developments in Bangladesh. It highlights how geopolitical dynamics and the priorities of global powers have led to the legitimization of such regimes once they capture power, despite their past radical and extremist activities.

What occurred during the Taliban’s return to power, and how did the world react?

1. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. A subsequent Islamic State attack killed 13 U.S. troops, and $7.1 billion worth of U.S. weaponry was abandoned.
2. S.A, the West, China, and Russia engaged with the Taliban, claiming it would promote inclusion and protect women’s rights, though the Taliban later restricted women’s education, denied inclusive governance, and ignored such commitments.
3. Radical Islamic groups like the Taliban or Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) are legitimized by the global community after seizing power by force, while those not in power are treated as threats.

How did India influence UNSC Resolution 2593?

As UNSC president in August 2021, India ensured the resolution explicitly barred the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and listed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

What was the global response to HTS taking control in Syria?

• Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of HTS and a former al-Qaeda affiliate, overthrew Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
• The U.S. removed a $10 million bounty on al-Jolani and aligned with HTS, despite its terror links, mirroring its approach to the Taliban.

What led to the rise of extremism in Bangladesh?

1. A military coup led by Muhammad Yunus toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, reviving groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hefazat-e-Islam.
2. These groups attacked minorities, pushed extremist ideologies, and promoted anti-India rhetoric.
3. The interim government even released extremists like ABT leader Jashimuddin Rahmani.

How has this impacted India-Bangladesh relations?

India faces renewed security threats and risks losing 16 years of progress made under Sheikh Hasina, which brought the two countries closer in trade, security, and diplomacy.

How does religious extremism impact the broader region?

1. Rising religiophobia, including against Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, has global and regional implications.
2. India raised this issue at the UN in 2021-2022 and condemned religious hate worldwide.

What are the key challenges and solutions for Bangladesh and India?

1. Bangladesh must prevent the military coup from escalating into an Islamic radical regime, as seen in Syria or Afghanistan.
2. India should tread carefully with the interim government, maintain its bilateral ties, and counter rising extremism to protect its national security.