International recognition important for Taliban, political expert says

The end of fighting between the government troops and the rapidly attacking Taliban forces was predetermined by the 'bad legacy' the United States left for Afghanistan, Azerbaijan's political expert Tofiq Abbasov said, commenting on the seizure of power in Afghanistan by the Taliban radical movement.

"By committing a fateful flaw after the overthrow of Molla Omar's power and the deployment of troops to the country, the Americans did not fulfill a single task since they have no agenda at all," he said.

The expert believes that the case of Afghanistan is yet another story with the Iraqi scenario. To create a normal situation in the country, it is necessary to form not the army but civil, political institutions, civil public and involve women in these processes.

"There were assumptions that there will be much bloodshed [after the Taliban seize power], that Talibs will cut heads in the cities and villages, but the end was just simple. Without a single shot, the Taliban took hold of Kabul, after establishing their authority in most provinces, and left the world community to guess what happens next."

And next, according to Abbasov, the world will see the new face of the Taliban. Within 20 years, the Taliban have changed, and it can be noticed during the talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha, Moscow, Tehran, and other cities.

"Taliban changed, they understand what liberal values are, and they will take into account the opinion of the world community to humanize their image and achieve international recognition. They have revealed their main priorities - ensuring peace and security for all, including foreign diplomats. They promised not to revenge Americans, provide women with all necessary rights, etc. Now the Taliban is headed by quite farseeing people, who will quickly break the wings of terrorists and their leaders because international recognition is important for Talibs," the expert said, adding that the 'consensus inside the Taliban,' is necessary in the first place to further achieve the 'inter-Afghan dialogue.'

Speaking about the Azerbaijani peacekeepers' mission in Afghanistan, the political expert noted that not a single incident or conflict with their participation happened during their presence in the country. They fulfilled their mission at a high quality, decently, and therefore, they have won the Afghan people's respect. For this reason, the contingent won't be withdrawn from the country in a hasty manner.

"Just the other way round, we have nothing to quarrel over with Afghanistan. We are ready to cooperate with this country. Our political leadership won't hurry on this issue and will wait for the Afghan leadership to react. If they want Azerbaijani peacekeepers to continue their mission, I think that they will stay there," the expert said, adding that the issue of their future is a paragraph on the bilateral agenda.