Herat security meeting addresses Afghanistan's future in Dushanbe

Organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies of Afghanistan, the conference aimed to foster dialogue on pressing issues in Afghanistan, including language, culture, women's rights, and politics under Taliban rule.

Participants engaged in discussions that spanned diverse topics, formulating "engagement plans" for Afghanistan's future. The gathering included opposition groups, with invitations extended to the Taliban and their advocates, though they opted not to participate.

The conference concluded with a performance by the "Zehre Orchestra," a group currently in exile following the Taliban's assumption of control in Afghanistan. Davoud Moradian, the head of the organizing institution, emphasized that the conference sought to amplify the diverse voices shaping Afghanistan's path forward.

Hot-button issues such as "identity conflict in the region" and the potential threat of religious extremism to exonym Persia dominated headlines. The role of opposition groups and discussions on the possibility of toppling the Taliban government were central themes.

Abdullah Mahla, a Tajik writer, stressed the importance of recognizing the various nations in the region with their distinct national interests. He underscored that the threat of "religious extremism" poses a significant danger to the civilization in the area and has led to the "death of civilization" in some aspects.

The panel titled "Regional Consensus; Global Support" featured former diplomatic and security officials and focused on diplomatic strategies in dealing with the Taliban government. Syed Tayyab Javad, the former ambassador of Afghanistan in London and Moscow, criticized the international strategy on Afghanistan, alleging "obvious double standards" in global diplomacy.

In the session titled "Towards a Democratic Afghanistan," Mohammad Amin Karim from Hizb-e-Islami expressed his unconventional views, stating that he does not support overthrowing the current Taliban government. Karim highlighted the distortion of democracy in Afghanistan over the past two decades and advocated for a "religious democratic elected system."

Another panel emphasized the "inseparable commonalities" among groups and movements opposed to the Taliban. Mohammad Ismail Khan, a former Afghan Minister of Energy, labeled the Taliban's return to power a "great global conspiracy" and asserted that those involved in the "One-sided Doha Agreement" are experiencing regret. He emphasized the unity of Taliban opponents and hinted at resorting to previous methods if negotiations fail.