A French Connection? Recognition and Entente for the Taliban

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential for France to play a leadership role in rebuilding Afghanistan's government and international relations following the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Contribution

It proposes a framework for France to re-engage diplomatically and support Afghanistan's recovery post-U.N. withdrawal and Taliban resurgence.

Findings

Taliban retook major cities including Kabul

Afghanistan faces economic crisis and isolation

France has opportunity for diplomatic leadership

Abstract

This paper will explore a way forward for French-Afghan relations post United Nations (U.N.) occupation. The summer of 2021 proved to be very tumultuous as the Taliban lay in waiting for U.N. forces to withdraw in what many would call a hasty, poorly thought-out egress operation. The Taliban effectively retook all major cities, including the capital, Kabul, and found themselves isolated as U.N. states closed embassies and severed diplomatic relations. Now, Afghanistan finds itself without international aid and support and on the verge of an economic crisis. France now has the opportunity to initiate a leadership role in the establishment and recovery of the new Afghan government.