BRUSSELES: A historic two-day summit of political and military opponents of the Afghan Taliban concluded in the European Parliament, highlighting growing international concern over the regime’solicies and their regional implications.
The meeting focused on Afghanistan’s deteriorating situation, with experts warning that the country’s crisis has become more than a humanitarian issue, now posing a potential threat to European security.
Former Afghan parliamentarian Fawzia Koofi criticized the Taliban for ignoring the promises made during the Doha negotiations, calling their rule a safe haven for extremist groups. She also condemned the systematic exclusion of women from political, social, and public life, which has institutionalized gender discrimination across the country.
Renowned researcher Zalmay Nasheet added that the Taliban’s continued governance strengthens extremist networks and escalates regional tensions. Meanwhile, former Afghan Commissioner for Administrative Reforms Aalia Yilmaz emphasized that protecting women’s rights is both a moral and strategic necessity for regional stability.
International experts at the summit warned that the Taliban’s policies have isolated Afghanistan globally, fueled terrorism and the drug trade, and intensified social instability, pushing the country closer to becoming a failed state.
