BRICS stance on Afghanistan; An opportunity for security cooperation and regional development

The meeting of BRICS members, as an important international platform, provides a great opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of cooperation in various fields, especially security, economic and social. In this regard, Afghanistan, as a country with a complex history and sensitive security conditions, needs international attention and cooperation. This article examines Afghanistan’s position in the BRICS meeting and the importance of member countries’ cooperation in the fight against terrorism and sustainable development.

Security situation in Afghanistan

After the Taliban took over in 2021, concerns about the growth of terrorist groups such as ISIS and other extremist groups have increased. Despite the Taliban’s claims of controlling security and fighting terrorism, repeated attacks and explosions in different parts of the country indicate the fact that security threats still exist in the country and the Taliban has not been very successful in controlling terrorism. As a terrorist group with a violent and targeted ideology, ISIS has taken advantage of existing security weaknesses and purposefully targeted minorities, especially Shiites and other ethnic groups.

Even though the Taliban tries to present itself as a legitimate and safe power, the existing facts indicate the growth and spread of terrorism in this country, which clearly shows the need for serious action and international cooperation to deal with it.

The BRICS member countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, Iran, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, as key players in the international arena, should pay special attention to the current situation in Afghanistan. The decisive stance of the BRICS countries against terrorist threats and cooperation with the Taliban can help strengthen the security of the region. In this regard, security cooperation between BRICS members and the Taliban should be on the agenda.

The necessity of international cooperation

Fighting terrorism as a global challenge requires international cooperation and coordination. On the one hand, the Taliban, as the current rulers of Afghanistan, have a responsibility to respond to the concerns of neighboring countries and BRICS and show that they can act as a responsible actor. This can lead to the reduction of terrorist activities and the improvement of security in Afghanistan.

On the other hand, the BRICS countries can help the Taliban to strengthen their capacities in the fight against terrorism by providing advice, training and technical support. These cooperations, can lead to stability in Afghanistan and reduce the security concerns of neighboring countries.

In addition, Afghanistan, as a strategic point in Asia’s political geography, can play a key role in the realization of economic and development projects of BRICS. Cooperation in economic fields can also help to strengthen social stability and reduce the areas of terrorism.

Emphasis on regional priorities

Emphasizing regional priorities in the framework of BRICS countries’ cooperation, especially in connection with the situation in Afghanistan, is of particular importance. The Challenges facing Afghanistan, including insecurity, terrorist threats, and economic and humanitarian crises, are not unique to this country and its consequences spread to the borders of other countries in the region. Stable security in Afghanistan is not only for the benefit of this country, but it can have positive and constructive effects on the stability and development of neighboring countries and BRICS Asian members such as India and China. From this point of view, BRICS countries can take important steps to strengthen security and reduce terrorist threats by emphasizing regional priorities and effective cooperation with Afghanistan.

In this regard, the BRICS countries should focus on creating security and economic infrastructure that can help the growth and development of Afghanistan while interacting constructively with the Taliban. This approach could include development projects and economic investments that create job opportunities within Afghanistan and prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking to neighboring countries. Economic cooperation and infrastructure development in Afghanistan with the support of BRICS can help this country to overcome its economic problems and prevent extremist groups from influencing society more.

The fundamental role of BRICS in establishing a stable and popular system in Afghanistan

BRICS member countries can help Afghanistan in achieving a legitimate system and popular sovereignty. The current situation in Afghanistan is associated with security, economic and complex humanitarian crises, and the internal and international illegitimacy of the ruling system has caused these challenges to deepen. BRICS, as a collection of actors and emerging economic and political powers, can play a key role in supporting a comprehensive political process and strengthening government institutions that will lead to the creation of an inclusive government accepted by the Afghan people.

This approach can start with diplomatic interaction and promotion of national dialogue and continue with economic, educational and development support, so that the infrastructure of democratic governance and the rule of law are formed in Afghanistan. Political stability and strengthening the internal legitimacy of the government in Afghanistan can lead to the elimination of regional instabilities and the reduction of security threats, including terrorist activities and forced migrations, which are always a threat to neighboring countries.

From this point of view, BRICS’s support for the establishment of popular and inclusive governance in Afghanistan is a fundamental step towards sustainable stability and regional integration that can bring common benefits to all member countries and the region.

The role of BRICS countries in supporting Afghanistan to achieve stability and sustainable development is of particular importance in regional security and development. Afghanistan, despite its complex security, economic and social challenges, is in a position where the effective actions and cooperation of BRICS can have a profound impact on improving the conditions of this country as well as establishing peace and stability in the region. The presence of BRICS as an international platform provides a great opportunity to strengthen security, economic and social cooperation with Afghanistan.

By supporting the counter-terrorist measures of the Taliban and helping to strengthen the economic and security infrastructure, member states can lay the groundwork for a more stable future in Afghanistan. Also, these cooperations can include supporting popular institutions and democratic processes in this country so that an inclusive and legitimate system is formed in Afghanistan that is accepted by the international community and the people of this country.

Such efforts by BRICS are not only for the benefit of Afghanistan, but also for the benefit of all member countries of this group and the entire region, and can lead to reducing security threats, preventing extremism, controlling illegal immigration, and strengthening economic development at the regional level.