Episode 112: Politics of Recognising the Taliban

Ever since the Taliban took over Kabul in August this year, it has been trying to engage with the international community to seek recognition. The interim Taliban government made many promises but failed to deliver particularly in matters of political inclusion, religious tolerance and rights of women, presenting many challenges to the international community in dealing with it. Dr Matthew Nelson, Associate Professor - Islam and Politics in South Asia, Asia Institute, the University of Melbourne not only provided a historical perspective, but also discussed whether there is pressure from religious groups within Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim majority countries to recognise the Taliban.