Uncharted Thoughts.

“We don’t know if we will be forgotten.” 

Sometime early on July the 4^th 2025, photographers sat patiently outside a building in Moscow. Their cameras pointed towards a long structure on the East of the city. The infamous white flag of the Taliban, branded black by swirling Arabic with the words ‘there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God’, a statement already contradictory to diplomatic solutions, was raised over Povarskaya Street in Moscow, Russia.  

While this flag is often a symbol of Islamic extremism and terror, it now marks the new headquarters of operations for the Taliban, acting as an Embassy for international cooperation with Putin’s Russia. This embassy not only legitimizes the Taliban’s diplomatic missions abroad, but it also shows a symbolic break in the worlds collective narrative to condemn the Taliban rule. 

This decision by Russia marked a historic moment, as it became the first country on earth to formally legitimize the Taliban. Just four years after their bloody takeover of Afghanistan and subduing its people to its ruthless, theocratic authoritarianism.  

Richard Bernett, UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, responded to the Russian legitimization by writing ‘[we are] Disappointed by Russia’s recognition that sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening regimes in Afghanistan & beyond that violate human rights with impunity’. 

In contrast to this, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban minister of foreign affairs, told the BBC that ‘he hoped it would serve as an example to other countries’. 

This decision to legitimize the Taliban quickly transpired following Russia’s quick, and controversial decision to unmark the Taliban as a terror organization in April this year. Although there has always been communication with the outside world, there has, up until now, been no movement from foreign governments to take this leap.  

Russian ministries suggest they made this quick decision in attempt to improve ‘security, counterterrorism and combating drug crime’ in the area. All of which are growing concerns across South Asian territories. 

Security threats from terror groups such as IS-K, threaten peace within the region and within Russian.  One such example came last year in 2024, IS-K targeted Moscows concert hall, in an attack that killed 149 people and injury many more.  

Cooperation between Russia and the Taliban has been at a steady growth since their reemergence in 2021. As seen last year when Russian Preseident Vladamir Putin named the Taliban as an ‘ally’ and in May this year, when Russian authorities united the Taliban and Russia against the IS-K, labeling them a ‘common enemy’.  

“Supporting the de facto government in Kabul is the most pragmatic approach to preventing terrorism on our southern borders.” said Zamir Kabulov, Russian envoy to Afghanistan. 

Mariam Solaimankhil, a fears critic of the Taliban and women rights activist responded to this legitimization, saying ‘”legitimises a regime that bans girls from education, enforces public floggings, and shelters UN-sanctioned terrorists”. 

Maria Ivanova, a Russian citizen born in Moscow, remarked in an interview how she found the Taliban’s legitimization as “Crazy, but not surprising, Russia doesn’t surprise me anymore” she began. Highlighting its hypocrisy by saying “I don’t think they care about the people of Afghanistan, they are doing whatever fits their objective. I’m from Moscow and the European side of the country holds a lot of prejudices towards Muslims. I don’t see this being a move supported by the people of Russia”. 

International scholars of world history Dr Bennett, suggest that this may well be an attempt from the Russian authorities to contain terror, and the spread of Islamic Jihad. As Afghans situation deteriorates, perhaps with aid and support from  Russia will help contain any spread of Islamic extremism to its borders. 

As this cooperation with international communities grow, as does the fears from Afghan refugee communities. Legitimisation means cooperation, cooperation means resources and therefore strengthening of the regime they see as illegitimate. 

Russia is not the only country looking to break the long-lasting silence with the Taliban. As the migrant crisis in the United Kingdom and Europe spills over into daily protests, and previous and future civil unrest, Reform UK announced that their new plans to combat illegal migration will heavy rely on Taliban cooperation.  

Zia Yusuf, former Reform UK chairman and one of its most elevated members, said It is “quite reasonable” for the British government to hand money to the regime in order secure it boarders.  

“Sometimes in life you have to do business with people you do not like” Said Reform MP Richard Tice on LBC “These are not nice people, but Leadership is about taking difficult decisions, the role of the British government is to protect our sovereignty, boarders and to ensure the safety of our women and girls” 

“The role of the British government is to protect British citizens. We cannot control despotic regimes around the world. What we can do is protect our own people’.  

Under article 3 of the European court of Human rights, the UK cannot deport someone if there is a real risk that they would face torture or ill-treatment in their home of deportation. This is a strict rule, and there are no exceptions, even for those with criminal records.  

Therefore, To achieve this goal, Reform UK are intending to leave the Human Rights Laws passed by the UN, and draft a British Bill of Rights, or the equivalent of. 

In response to the UK government’s opposition reform plans, which propose returning undocumented Afghan migrants—including those arriving via small boats or overstaying visas—the Taliban signaled its readiness eagerness to cooperate. A Taliban spokesperson told The Telegraph ‘We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad.’ 

These plans by Reform have not gone without criticism. Stephen Cottrell , the archbishop of York said this week ‘We cannot simply close the door on people fleeing war, violence and persecution. ‘Send them all back’ is not a sensible or compassionate response, and is beneath us as a nation. 

“It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding, and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad. It should remain that way.” 

In July, Germany welcomed Taliban diplomates and envoys into Berlin to help ‘facilitate the deportation of Afghan nationals with criminal records.’  

Recent shifts toward increased international cooperation with the Taliban—particularly from certain European nations—have sparked fear, anger, and deep distrust among Afghan refugee communities. For many who fled their homeland to escape persecution, these diplomatic gestures are seen not as pragmatic policy, but as a betrayal of their sacrifices and a legitimization of the very regime they risked everything to escape. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan, Iran and the rest of the world watch on silently as cooperations and international recognition grows.  

Founding member of Aghan Womans Justice Movement (AWJM), Maria stated how “I believe this poses serious risks for Afghanistan and the region. International recognition of the Taliban can strengthen their repressive policies, limit human rights, and increase the suppression of civil society, while also allowing foreign countries more influence over Afghanistan’s internal affairs.  

“For example, when countries like Russia legitimise the Taliban, it gives them the power to continue their oppressive policies, with women and girls suffering the most, and it often feels like the world is indifferent to our fate. 

Wajiha, an Afghan refugee and active member of the AWJM said “The potential decision to negotiate with the Taliban and return undocumented migrants to Afghanistan is truly alarming. The Taliban not only lack international legitimacy but also have a well-documented history of widespread human rights violations, especially against women, minorities, and dissenting voices. 

“Forcibly returning migrants to such conditions is essentially sending them back to danger and oppression. Instead of offering financial support or cooperation, the international community should focus on protecting lives and defending human rights”. 

Across all thirteen interviews conducted with Afghan refugees in Pakistan, a unified message emerged: a heartfelt plea to the international community to halt the legitimization of the Taliban and to cease all forms of diplomatic and economic cooperation that could empower the regime. The interviewees—many of whom fled Taliban repression—stressed that recognition without accountability would only deepen the suffering of those still in Afghanistan, particularly women, girls, and minority groups. 

Bakhtawar said “We urge the international [community] to stop cooperating with the Taliban. We think that Russia and the Taliban cooperation is going to make other countries do the same. If the Taiban are made legitimate, the dreams of millions will be destroyed. The UN has failed us”. 

A growing sense of helplessness and frustration hovers over each interview, a dark cloud of despair that clings to every word. A certain bitterness and disdain also crept into conversation, especially when the conversation turns to the United Nations and foreign intervention. 

“The United Nations only does what America wants them to do. If they wanted to help, then they would have”.  Darya remarks. 

“No, I get no support from the United Nation’s or from anyone else” Arezo addressed when asked if she has any additional support from charities or other organizations. 

“The UN, they are not doing anything. They know what is going on in Afghanistan, but they are keeping their silence” Bakhtawar added “If they cannot stop the Russia from legitimising the Taliban, what can they do?” 

This growing frustration, the legitimization of the Taliban and cooperation from European nations has cause a morale dip within the refugee community.  

In an attempt to gather international support and recognition the AWJM planned Blackout Friday for Afghanistan, a social media blackout planned for the anniversary of the Taliban take over. AWJM, revealed that this was their way of getting international attention. 

“We wanted to make a stand, and have our voices heard, and we know we may not have connections with foreign leaders, but we do have the internet.” Maria said.  

Fatima Wojohat, an Afghan artist living in America, has also been helping spread the message of the plight of Afghanis. Her art reflects the world that they lived in. “My art reflects the word we knew and the barriers we faced. It shows all, without filter. I want the people of the world to see my art, and realise just what crimes the Taliban commit”  

“I believe that art is a window to reality. My art shows what being an Afghan really means”.