Afghanistan is facing an economic and humanitarian crisis. Ever since the Taliban have taken over rule, there have been a series of international consequences in the form of funds being frozen and international financial alliances being withdrawn. To say that Afghanistan and its people are looking at a very dreary future is an understatement.
The Taliban has reassured many times that it would not revert to its old ways of ruling and that it would prioritize education and careers for women. However, despite this public proclamation, the Taliban has already prohibited high school aged girls from receiving an education and from many women returning to their jobs (unless they were in the health care sector).
Despite these setbacks, the Taliban has had at least one positive impact – namely the security and safety. For example, while previously aid organizations were either discouraged from traveling to Afghanistan due to its risk, they are now able to visit many parts of the country without that same risk being associated with travel.
Afghanistan’s people however are facing a crisis, which for many means death. Poverty levels are increasing quickly and are close to reaching 90%, while at the same time the country is facing medicine shortages, food shortages, and the currency has taken a hit as well. A bleak future is currently set for the 38 million Afghanis living there.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi speaks about an upcoming conference, where foreign ministers will meet to strategize on different ways to support Afghanistan and its people. The main purpose and message will be, according to Qureshi “Please do not abandon Afghanistan. Please engage. We are speaking for the people of Afghanistan. We’re not speaking of a particular group. We are talking about the people of Afghanistan.”
This summit isn’t going to be limited to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s members, but other countries will be sending their own representatives as well. Participating countries include the U.S., Russia, China, and the European Union. Afghanistan will also have its own Taliban-appointed representative present.
Pakistan has emerged as Afghanistan’s hero, being a loud proponent of rallying support for the country. Pakistan sees how the downfall of the country will impact the world as a whole, it impacting the fights against terrorism by possibly giving too much room for al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups to flourish. Chaos seems to be the breeding ground for terrorism, which this clearly would create.
Qreshi adds that “Refugees will become economic migrants.” This could add drastically to refugee numbers in Europe and America. Pakistan hopes that by having this one day summit, the priority of educating girls can be re-implemented and to give women the right to return to their work.
Unfortunately support from the West seems unlikely, as it is already a strained relationship between the West and the Taliban. The Taliban would relish in its victory of the 20 year war, while the West would have to face and admit its own defeat.
