Afghans Both Hopeful, Disappointed after Russia’s Taliban Recognition
Russia’s decision to formally recognize the Taliban government has been seen as an opening for a stronger economy by some Afghans, while others were skeptical that it would improve their lot.
Russia became the first country to acknowledge the Taliban authorities on Thursday, after a gradual building of ties that included removing their “terrorist organization” designation and accepting an ambassador in recent months.
The Taliban authorities had not been recognized by any state in the nearly four years since sweeping to power in 2021, ousting the foreign-backed government as US-led troops withdrew after a two-decade war.
Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and in a fragile recovery from four decades of conflict.
“With the current situation in Afghanistan, with all the challenges, everyone is worried. If the world recognizes Afghanistan, we will be happy, currently, even the tiniest thing matters,” Gul Mohammad, 58, said on Friday in the capital Kabul.
Despite having bitter memories of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, when he “lost everything” and became a refugee in Pakistan, he acknowledges that “the priorities are different now”.
Jamaluddin Sayar, 67, predicted that “trade and economic prosperity will now blossom”.
The retired pilot said other countries, “both western and eastern”, should recognize the government and “stop spreading propaganda”.
