When the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the world was taken aback, and yet, many swiftly turned their attention elsewhere. Since then, Afghanistan has descended into a profound crisis marked by political illegitimacy, resurgent terrorism, economic collapse, gender apartheid, and a humanitarian disaster.
These intertwined challenges present a vortex of instability that threatens not only Afghanistan’s future but also peace in the broader region and beyond. Addressing this crisis requires more than hollow denunciations or isolated efforts; it necessitates a comprehensive international response led by U.S. leadership. This strategy promises to strengthen regional security, reinforce America’s moral standing, and reaffirm its role in global peacemaking, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s philosophy of diplomacy over perpetual warfare.
A multifaceted approach upholding the foundational values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes, may pave the way for cooperation benefiting Afghans, regional states, and global unity.
**Understanding the Collapse and Its Roots**
Afghanistan’s dire situation primarily results from the Taliban’s extremist regime, which lacks political legitimacy. Rather than ruling by consent, the Taliban employs repression. They have dismantled democratic institutions, stifled civil society, and punished dissent.
Internal divisions among the Taliban’s leadership further obstruct the potential for inclusive governance. Under Taliban rule, terrorism has resurged, as evidenced in a 2024 UN report indicating significant growth of groups such as al-Qaeda, ISIS-K, and the Pakistani Taliban, with al-Qaeda reportedly establishing multiple new camps. This tolerance or facilitation of terrorism serves as a pretext for ongoing repression by the Taliban.
Afghanistan’s economy is in freefall; since the Taliban took control, the economy has contracted nearly 30%, according to the World Bank. Heightened dependence on humanitarian aid has led the Taliban to rely on illicit revenue streams like drug trafficking and smuggling. While a nominal ban on opium production was enacted in 2022, Afghan drug production has escalated towards synthetic alternatives such as methamphetamine.
Over 90% of the Afghan population now lives below the poverty line. Public services have deteriorated, inflation is volatile, and youth unemployment is rampant. As a result, approximately 200,000 young Afghans attempt to flee the country each year. In rural communities, families resort to selling children into labor or early marriages, driving many young men toward extremist groups and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and radicalization.
Gender apartheid compounds the nation’s crisis. The Taliban has issued over 80 decrees severely restricting women’s rights, prohibiting girls from receiving education past sixth grade and barring women from most forms of employment and public life. This systemic exclusion has crippled vital public services that were once operated by women, forcing families to send children to madrasas for food, thereby exposing them to indoctrination and recruitment into terrorist organizations.
**A Humanitarian Emergency Unfolding**
These dynamics contribute to an enormous humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly 70% of the Afghan populace requiring humanitarian assistance as of early 2024. More than three million Afghans are internally displaced, and around six million have fled the country altogether. Nevertheless, aid alone cannot remedy a crisis rooted in systemic collapse. Without substantial political and economic reform, the situation will only worsen. The reality in Afghanistan has formed a closed loop: repression breeds extremism, which undermines economic stability, culminating in human suffering and increasing dependency. The Taliban is unlikely to initiate necessary reform; thus, only meaningful external engagement—both diplomatic and strategic—can disrupt this vicious cycle.
**Seizing Diplomatic Opportunities Amid Fragility**
Despite the Taliban’s apparent hold on power, their regime is fragile, their economy is unsustainable, and their international standing is virtually nonexistent. This precariousness offers a diplomatic opening that the United States and regional players must exploit.
Several factors contribute to the timely nature of this opportunity. First, the Afghan populace is actively calling for the Taliban to embrace change and form an inclusive government that respects the country’s international obligations. Civic resistance embodies this push, with women protesting and underground schools for girls burgeoning. Youth activists, journalists, and civil society leaders are fiercely resisting silencing. This spirit of resilience highlights the desire for more inclusive governance and dignity amidst oppressive rule.
Second, regional powers that once passively tolerated or endorsed the Taliban are now confronting direct consequences of their actions. Pakistan grapples with increased terrorism from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements operating within Afghanistan, while Iran deals with border clashes and water disputes. China and Russia are ramping up intelligence efforts to combat extremism. Recognizing the failed Afghan state as a mutual threat, these nations now find common ground for cooperation.
Third, the global community is becoming disillusioned with the Taliban’s unwillingness to reform. Previous diplomatic and humanitarian engagements with the regime have resulted in escalated repression, and international actors are now more open to considering new strategies as hope for internal moderation wanes.
Finally, signs of armed resistance are beginning to surface. In regions such as Panjshir and northern Afghanistan, former security personnel and grassroots fighters are challenging the Taliban’s authority. Although fragmented, this resistance signals political dissatisfaction and could serve as leverage in future diplomatic negotiations.
The United States finds itself in a critical position to guide a values-driven strategy integrating diplomacy, sanctions, regional cooperation, and moral clarity in response to the Afghan crisis. This approach does not imply military troop redeployment; rather, it demands engagement on terms reflecting both American interests and the needs of the Afghan people.
**Framework for Peace**
The U.S. should lead a United Nations-backed peace initiative rooted in a commitment to global interests and the stark realities on the ground. Five key pillars can structure this strategic effort.
First, a UN-led political process must be inclusive and anchored in Afghan ownership, engaging the Taliban, opposition groups, women, civil society, and ethnic minorities. The overarching goal should be the establishment of a transitional government, supported by a multinational peacekeeping force, which would undertake a constitutional review and set the foundation for stable governance in Afghanistan.
Second, the White House should appoint a Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan to streamline and coordinate diplomatic efforts. Additionally, the U.S. should take the lead as Afghanistan’s penholder at the UN Security Council, advocating for key recommendations from the 2023 UN Independent Assessment. Synchronizing the efforts of U.S. and UN envoys would facilitate a coherent strategy uniting the interests of donors and regional actors.
Third, the U.S. must employ faith-based diplomacy aimed at countering the Taliban’s ideological legitimacy. Collaborating with Muslim-majority nations and organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation can promote Islamic principles that respect human rights, advocate for education, and foster peace. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are in ideal positions to challenge the Taliban’s ideological claims.
Fourth, the U.S. should initiate a regional stability compact that convenes Pakistan, Iran, India, China, Russia, and the Central Asian republics, focusing on non-interference, counterterrorism, refugee repatriation, and regional connectivity. This framework could help transform Afghanistan from a battleground of rivalry into a platform for cooperation.
Lastly, until a political settlement is reached, calibrated pressure paired with robust support for civil society must continue. Measures such as sanctions, visa bans, the freezing of assets, and withholding diplomatic recognition should serve as penalties against repression. However, phased incentives linked to specific reforms could encourage constructive changes. It is vital that civil society—particularly women’s organizations and independent media—receive substantial international assistance to uphold democratic values facing threats.
**Why This Matters to the U.S.**
Re-engagement in Afghanistan transcends acts of charity; it constitutes a strategic and moral imperative that aligns with American national interests. The future trajectory of Afghanistan intersects with vital areas of national security, economic competitiveness, geopolitical influence, and ethical integrity.
From a security standpoint, Afghanistan risks becoming a haven for transnational terrorism. Al-Qaeda maintains connections with the Taliban, and ISIS-K is expanding its influence. The diminished intelligence capabilities following the U.S. withdrawal have made monitoring these threats more challenging. To thwart future attacks, it is essential for the U.S. to rebuild partnerships and intelligence-sharing networks.
Economically, Afghanistan is thought to hold approximately $3 trillion in untapped minerals crucial for clean energy and technology supply chains. A lack of U.S. engagement could hand this golden opportunity to China. Establishing a transparent development framework would not only benefit Afghan communities but also align with American national security goals.
Geopolitically, Afghanistan occupies a central role in the great power competition landscape. A power vacuum could favor China’s, Russia’s, and Iran’s interests. Nevertheless, this complexity allows the U.S. to spearhead a cooperative agenda that promotes stability, infrastructure development, and mutual prosperity among nations.
Morally, the U.S. has a significant legacy in Afghanistan. The nation has suffered over 2,400 casualties and invested more than $2 trillion in the pursuit of a free and democratic society. Abandoning Afghanistan would not only betray those who hold dear the vision of liberty but could also tarnish America’s global credibility. By advocating a peace-centered strategy, the U.S. can reaffirm its values and reinforce its standing in global leadership.
**A Legacy of Peace Through Leadership**
The United States faces a crucial moral and strategic decision: to retreat into the illusory comfort of disengagement or to lead with clarity, conviction, and ethics.
Indifference does not equate to neutrality; it effectively endorses the erosion of human rights, regional stability, and U.S. credibility. Geographic distance offers no immunity from the repercussions of instability abroad, particularly when it jeopardizes security at home.
Sustainable peace in Afghanistan is not merely an imperative for the region; it constitutes a national security priority for the U.S. Disengagement poses the risk of allowing transnational threats to flourish, while principled engagement rooted in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and persistent peacebuilding fosters both American interests and global stability.
This approach mirrors the peace legacy that President Trump has aimed for: terminating endless conflicts through durable, negotiated solutions that uphold both U.S. values and strategic objectives.
The focus now shifts from introspection on past missteps to preventing future mistakes through responsible, forward-thinking leadership. True leadership involves rallying others around shared examples of integrity and purpose. Let history reflect that the United States chose to lead—not out of guilt but from a sense of obligation to correct the errors made by successive administrations when attempting to achieve a fragile peace while executing a hasty withdrawal.
Peace does not occur by chance. It requires active construction—and this journey commences with informed decision-making. Let us make choices that pave the way for a brighter future.
image source from：fairobserver
