DPPC: The U.S. Must Lead on Sanctions Against the Taliban and its Leadership
Updated: Aug 19, 2021
The Afghanistan-U.S. Democratic Peace and Prosperity Council (DPPC) is calling on the Biden Administration to lead an effort in the United Nations to expand sanctions against the Taliban’s political organization and its leadership in response to war crimes. While atrocities are not new for the Taliban, recent reports have emerged in Afghanistan of assassinations as well as the execution of prisoners who have surrendered, showing the Taliban has no desire for peace or respect for the Geneva Convention.
“What the Taliban craves is recognition by the international community,” said Martin Rahmani, Executive Director of the DPPC. “Afghanistan is not lost, but the Taliban is preparing to take over and they will face the challenge of governance – they know how much international support is needed to hold the country together. The international community must deny them legitimacy for the war crimes they have committed.”
While the Biden Administration is resolved in leaving Afghanistan, it still can lead within international institutions. The Taliban will not respect its calls for peace without a show of force. If the Biden Administration does not want to use the American military, it can put the full weight of its diplomatic power behind an extensive sanctions regime to freeze out the Taliban.
Without the U.S. to lead on sanctions, other nations will move to recognize the Taliban in efforts to stem an inevitable refugee crisis. This would be an absolute failing of the U.S. and the international community.
Recent reports of atrocities by the Taliban include:
CBS News: The Taliban may be executing Afghan troops who surrender, U.S. Embassy says
The Wall Street Journal: Afghans Tell of Executions, Forced Marriages in Taliban-Held Areas
Human Rights Watch: The Taliban have reportedly killed some detainees, including relatives of provincial government officials and members of the police and army
The Hill: Over two dozen killed in Afghanistan after bomb explodes near school
Human Rights Watch: Afghanistan: Civilians Targeted Amid Peace Talks
Reuters: Twenty-eight civilians killed in northern Afghan province as fighting intensifies
Reuters: Taliban kill Afghan radio station manager, kidnap journalist - officials
Human Rights Watch: Afghanistan: Taliban Forcibly Displace Civilians