RASC News Agency: Najib-ur-Rahman Shamal, a prominent Afghanistani political analyst, has stated that the Taliban regime lacks both popular support and legitimate authority in Afghanistan. In a recent interview with the media, Shamal discussed the role of the people in democratic systems and contrasted it with the current situation in Afghanistan. He emphasized, “In a democratic system, the people play an essential role in determining their destiny. Through their participation in elections, political activities, social engagement, and even the election of their leaders, they shape the future of the country. Unfortunately, with the return of the Taliban to power, all of these democratic principles have been erased.”
Shamal argued that the Taliban acts arbitrarily, disregarding the will and desires of the Afghanistani people. He also stressed that, like their lack of international legitimacy, the Taliban do not hold any popular mandate within Afghanistan itself. Addressing the current situation, Shamal noted,
“In today’s Afghanistan, there are no elections, no freedom of political party activities, and no respect for human rights. Women and girls are not only deprived of education but are also denied the right to travel or work outside their homes. This extensive repression signals that Afghanistan has transitioned from a democratic system to an authoritarian, ethnocentric regime.”
The Taliban have faced widespread criticism, with accusations of supporting terrorism and maintaining an extremist ideology. Even now, many Afghanistanis still regard them as a radical group that rules through fear and coercion rather than governance and legitimacy. Despite their control over Afghanistan, the Taliban remain globally recognized as a terrorist organization, and the Afghanistani populace continues to view them as oppressors rather than legitimate rulers.
