Aspirations of the Afghan Nation from the Upcoming Doha Meeting

By: Mohammad Dawod Ishaqzahi “Yousufi”

Thirteen years ago, the Islamic Emirate established its political office in Doha, marking a significant milestone. Qatar played host to historic negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Emirate, lasting for eighteen months. Ultimately, on February 29, 2020, both parties signed an agreement aimed at ending the occupation of Afghanistan.

Sharq Hotel in Qatar became a venue for crucial developments in Afghanistan, including the negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Emirate, as well as a two-day meeting of the United Nations with representatives from 21 countries held on 11 Thor 1402 (Afghan calendar). These events underscore Qatar’s importance and influence in recent Afghan developments.

However, the meeting on 11th of the Thor did not yield specific results for Afghanistan. Notably, representatives of the Afghan government were excluded from this meeting, reflecting its limited effectiveness.

Now, the United Nations, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, will convene another session in Doha on the 29th and 30th of Dalwa, inviting special representatives from over 20 countries, including Afghanistan.

The previous meeting fell short of expectations, resulting in missed opportunities. If the same political dynamics persist, it will only lead to wasted time and considerable expenses. In order to address the problems faced by the Afghan people, it becomes imperative for the United Nations and member states to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

A Afghanistan as functional state meets the criteria for recognition, and the United Nations, as outlined in its charter, assumes an advisory role not as interventional role. Afghanistan’s internal issues, such as women’s education and employment, should be the responsibility of the Afghan government. Force and pressure as has been experienced during last two decades has resulted nothing.

The demands of the Afghan people for the Doha meeting are as follows:

1. Recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the United Nations and participating countries;
2. Giving the seat of Afghanistan to the ruling government;
3. Removal of sanctions;
4. Non-interference in Afghanistan’s affairs;
5. Ensuring the people of Afghanistan are not exploited amid their challenges;
6. Enhanced cooperation among participating countries to address Afghanistan’s economic problems;
7. Removal of Afghan officials and the government from the Security Council’s blacklist;

Considering the positive accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which include combating and minimizing corruption, providing public services, and addressing threats like Daesh, and drug trafficking, it is essential for the United Nations and member states to acknowledge these achievements and fulfill the people’s expectations upon their request.