Russia’s parliament has passed a law that could pave the way for the recognition of the Afghan Taliban and, potentially, Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) by allowing Russian courts to lift bans on groups previously designated as terrorist organizations. This new legislation, passed by the State Duma, would enable courts to remove a group from the banned list if it ceases terrorist-related activities.
The Taliban, which seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal, is not formally recognized by any country. However, Russia has been gradually strengthening its ties with the group, with President Vladimir Putin describing the Taliban as an ally in the fight against terrorism during a speech in July 2023.
In addition to the Taliban, the leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Putin, has called for the removal of Syria’s HTS from Russia’s list of banned groups. HTS has played a significant role in challenging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and recently led an offensive against Assad’s forces. Kadyrov argued that establishing relations with the new leadership in Syria is crucial for ensuring stability in the region and preventing a humanitarian crisis. Russia, for its part, maintains military interests in Syria, including the use of airfields and naval bases, making continued engagement with Syrian leadership strategically important.
Russia’s approach to dealing with Islamist militant groups in regions from Afghanistan to the Middle East has been influenced by a series of security threats, including the deadly Islamic State attack in Moscow this March, which was linked to the Afghan branch of ISIS. The Taliban has stated its commitment to eliminating ISIS from Afghanistan, although concerns persist about its policies, especially regarding women’s rights. The international community, particularly Western diplomats, has criticized the Taliban for closing educational institutions for women and enforcing strict gender-based restrictions.
This new legislation signals a shift in Russia’s foreign policy, especially in its dealings with groups that had previously been considered terrorist organizations. While Russia is seeking to expand its influence in the Middle East and Central Asia, the international recognition of the Taliban and HTS remains complicated due to ongoing concerns over human rights and governance.
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