Taliban Diplomacy for Progress
In August 2021, as U.S.-led forces withdrew from Afghanistan, Mahbouba Seraj, a 75-year-old Afghan-American women’s rights activist, chose to remain in the country despite the Taliban’s resurgence.
Background: Having returned to Afghanistan in 2003, Seraj aimed to support women and girls, contributing to positive changes seen under the U.S.-backed government, which granted women certain rights denied during the Taliban’s rule from 1996 to 2001.
Current Situation: Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, they have imposed strict measures, arresting activists, limiting education for women, closing beauty salons, and banning women from certain activities. International isolation has followed, but the UN Security Council is now considering political engagement.
Differing Perspectives: While some, including Seraj, view engagement as an opportunity to negotiate the restoration of women’s rights, others, like Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, argue against legitimizing the Taliban, emphasizing the untrustworthiness of their regime.
Seraj’s Approach: Seraj advocates for dialogue with the Taliban, urging a step-by-step approach to ensure parallel reforms. She contends that continuous isolation harms the people of Afghanistan, denying them their rights on the global stage.
Concerns and Education Crisis: Seraj highlights the urgency, emphasizing that prolonged non-recognition affects the younger generation’s perception of women’s rights. Under Taliban rule, boys are also facing an education crisis, with qualified female teachers barred.
Additional Challenges: Afghanistan grapples with challenges beyond the Taliban, including the return of Afghans from Pakistan, a crackdown leading to mass deportations, and the aftermath of earthquakes. The humanitarian crisis raises concerns about the well-being of returnees, particularly women and children.
International Relations: Although the Taliban government lacks formal recognition, China has named an ambassador to Afghanistan, signaling potential engagement. Seraj sees China as a potential ally, emphasizing that deals must prioritize the interests of the Afghan people.
Seraj’s Commitment: Despite safety concerns, Seraj remains dedicated to her mission, stating that leaving would mean abandoning the women in her shelter. She hopes Afghanistan remains in the global spotlight as a country with possibilities rather than a disaster.
Mahbouba Seraj’s call for diplomatic engagement with the Taliban reflects a nuanced approach aimed at safeguarding women’s rights in Afghanistan. Balancing international pressure with dialogue, she envisions a future where Afghanistan is not just a country in crisis but one with the potential to thrive.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The NBC News
