The order of Mullah Habibullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban last month to remove the word ‘acting’ from ministers’ and government functionaries’ titles is another setback to Afghanistan under the Taliban. The move no doubt undermines expectations that the ‘acting’ designation signalled a temporary phase of their rule. Many in the international community had anticipated that, over time, pressure would force the Taliban to adopt a more inclusive, power-sharing government.

Weeks after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, the group formed a caretaker government consisting almost entirely of senior figures and without representation from other political groups in the country. This government has remained in place ever since. The Taliban had promised to form an inclusive government after their takeover, but the interim cabinet they subsequently announced was an all-male, Taliban-only cabinet that excluded women and minority leaders, failing to meet their pledges for a representative government. 

In 1996, Mullah Omar, the Taliban’s founder, seized control of Afghanistan after years of civil war that followed the Soviet withdrawal in 1998. Despite international pressure, political isolation and military resistance from the Northern Alliance — which used to control about 20 percent of Afghan territory and was recognized by much of the world as the country’s legitimate government — Omar maintained a firm grip on power and steered the movement’s direction with the decisive vote. He ruled from the shadows, a ghostlike figure wielding absolute authority.

Habibullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban and successor to Mullah Omar, has shown little interest in reform or in yielding to Western demands. He is revered by followers as the sole guardian of the faith. Like Omar, Akhundzada rules from the shadows.

International aid and the unfreezing of Afghan assets were made conditional on the view that the group is Taliban 2.0; a group with evolved leaders, transformed principles, a contemporary mindset and modern vision. Either of the following is true; The group played along or held its breath until its consolidation of power.

Both scenarios could be equally appealing. Starting from a take-it-or-leave it strategy to a more benevolent display of power, the Taliban did it all. From ‘We don’t talk to the terrorists’ to sharing tables with the ‘terrorists’, the US did it all. One party fought for decades and the other fought against it. Both had to learn something from one another; a hard-core bargain with no results. The western allies held aid, making the common people of Afghanistan suffer, while the Taliban made appeals without any change to ground suffering.

Despite the unlimited times of manoeuvring, the stalemate has continued. Something has to be done. A stronger message has to be sent. 

Akhunzada is a man of few words, he camouflages himself and commands from afar. But when he utters a few words, they are usually stern, well thought-out, forbearing and consequential. He has issued directives to all Taliban officials to relinquish the ‘acting’ titles from their designations. Instead of losing ground and making concessions, the group is revisiting its archaic style of government.

As an organization, the Taliban has shown little interest in inclusivity. In the 1990s, the group operated without recognition and under a system of singular rule. Now in its four anniversaries after taking over Kabul, the movement has made no significant ideological shifts despite changing circumstances.

Akhundzada, a Pashtun like much of the Taliban leadership, adheres to Pashtunwali and the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. Within the Taliban, there is no space for dissent, opposition or alternative practices. Power-sharing is off the table. Elections are not expected. Representation for other ethnic groups or political parties remains absent.

The Taliban’s leadership appears secure and entrenched. While discontent simmers among the population, the group shows no sign of relinquishing its grip on power.

While the Taliban bears responsibility for excluding Afghanistan’s ethnic groups and political parties from power, the international community also carries an obligation to engage and negotiate. History has shown that pressure and isolation have only pushed the Taliban to act further alone. The international community is a partner in the suffering of the Afghan people. While the Taliban has dropped its government’s interim titles, the international community has likewise stopped “acting” to help the Afghans.