The spokesman of the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, expressed that Washington comprehends that the Taliban are still pursuing international recognition. However, to achieve international recognition, the Taliban must earn legitimacy. Miller delivered the remarks at a press conference in Washington, D.C.
Miller made no specific remarks concerning the tensions between Iran and Afghanistan. Nonetheless, he voiced concern over any escalation of tensions in the region. Miller reaffirmed that the United States encourages the Taliban to cease its assault on human rights and repression of women. The Taliban’s continued suppression of their own people and horrific attacks on women inside the country make it difficult for them to achieve legitimacy and international recognition.
Concerns from the US about Afghanistan’s human rights situation have been dismissed by the Islamic Emirate. They claim that human rights are preserved even better than before. Bilal Karimi, the deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, stated that they want good relations with all countries and official relations with countries but on condition that their national interests are not violated for these relations.
The international community, including the US, has made the formation of an inclusive government and upholding human rights as preconditions to consider recognizing the Islamic Emirate. Sayed Noorullah Raghi, an international relations analyst, stated that “the formation of an inclusive government, ensuring freedom of speech and the rights of minorities and women are part of international norms that need to be acknowledged.” Sayed Jawad Sijadi, a university instructor, stated that “the people of Afghanistan at least see themselves in the government and women should not be eliminated completely from the full presence of females.”
The Islamic Emirate has been in power for almost two years now but its government has yet to be recognized by any world country.