Next Challenge for Afghanistan Regime is UN Representative

The structure of the next regime is yet to take shape in Kabul and these bureaucratic decisions may be delayed until then. During 1996-2001 rule, Taliban was largely isolated from the world community and did not post envoys in almost all world capitals except three – Pakistan, UAE & Saudi Arabia. Later Riyadh’s ties with the Taliban soured.

The current permanent envoy Ghulam M Isaczai (formerly a high ranking UN official) was appointed only this June by the Ghani government. Isaczai is a veteran in the UN system having served in various capitals.

Delivering a speech at the UN last Monday Isaczai made his views clear. “…I am speaking on behalf of millions of people in Afghanistan whose fate hangs in the balance and are faced with an extremely uncertain future. I am speaking for millions of Afghan girls and women who are about to lose their freedom to go to school, to work and to participate in the political, economic, and social life of the country. I am speaking for thousands of human rights defenders, journalists, academics, civil servants, and former security personnel whose lives are at risks for defending human rights and democracy.”


He also expressed concern that Taliban is not honoring their promises and commitments made in their statements at Doha and at other international fora.