Online published on 21 June, 2022.
Much to the surprise of everyone, on August 15, 2021 Afghanistan’s Ghani government collapsed, and the Taliban took over control of Kabul. The fall of Kabul to the Taliban was expected, albeit much later because the Biden Administration had remained in constant contact with the Taliban regime on security matters. The CIA director, Bill Burns, had met with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, The article argues that in spite of the humiliation inflicted on the American Government and NATO and of the objectionable practices and policies of the Taliban, there is little choice but to recognize their rule and provide humanitarian aid in order to prevent even more disorder, hunger and violence. China and other neighbouring states are acting accordingly.
