US and Taliban officials conclude talks today, their first since the group’s takeover of Afghanistan. – Photo: KARIM JAAFAR / AFP

United States officials will conclude talks today with Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar

The meetings will be the first official engagement between the United States and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In a peace agreement signed by both countries, the Taliban-run government pledged to respect human rights and address terrorism threats. However, in December of 2021, the Taliban government banned Afghan women from attending universities in a move that was condemned by other Muslim countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. The move also led the United States to freeze funds belonging to the Afghan central bank.

While no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, it has cultivated diplomatic ties with Beijing after joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative in May. Russia and Iran have also maintained friendly relations with the Taliban government, providing foreign aid to the cash-strapped country and meeting to discuss Afghanistan’s counterterrorism efforts amid competition with the Islamic State group and other militant groups.

The talks do not indicate a major shift in Washington’s calculations as a White House spokesperson stated that engagement does not mean the recognition of the legitimacy of the Taliban. Attacks in Kabul and other parts of the country will also reduce the probability of official diplomatic recognition and economic cooperation with potential partners like Russia and Iran.