All nations, including U.S., should recognize Taliban Afghan government

Tho chaos still reigns in Kabul, one fact is absolute: The Taliban will form a new Afghan government. When you win a civil war and defeat an invading country, you are the legitimate new government.

If a trillion dollars, hundreds of thousands of American troops and 80,000 bombs couldn’t prevent their prevailing against the American invaders, nothing will.

Countries like Russia, China, Pakistan and others have already begun the process of establishing relations with the Taliban. So should America. I share the belief of some that their second shot at governing will be more moderate than the first, which lasted from 1996 till Uncle Sam invaded, ousting them in 2001.

Treating the Taliban as an illegitimate government not worthy of a relationship is about as senseless as deposing them in 2001. It has no upside and a big downside. America will be aced out by friend and foe alike who do partner with the Taliban, both to obtain commercial agreements and the ability to exert moral influence over them.

The Taliban can be murderous and brutal. But they are not stupid. When they inked the deal on February 29, 2020 with President Trump for the U.S. to get out in 2021, they agreed to stop killing U.S. troops. They kept their bargain up thru their August 15 victory, even tho Biden broke Trump’s agreement to be out my May 1. They are now cooperating with U.S. withdrawal forces not to interfere with evacuation efforts at Kabul Airport.

It took the U.S. 16 years to recognize the communist takeover of Russia in 1917. Let’s hope it won’t take till 2037 for the U.S. to do the same with the new, legitimate Afghan government.