Selective Legitimisation of Extremism: Lessons from Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh

Context

In recent years, global responses to Islamic radicalism have revealed a recurring pattern: legitimacy and engagement often follow power consolidation by radical groups. Historical and contemporary cases like Afghanistan (2021), Syria (2024), and Bangladesh’s recent developments illustrate how the international community's approach shifts once these groups gain control.

This phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international norms, necessitating a detailed examination of these events and their broader implications.

Key Examples and Developments

1. Case Study: Afghanistan and the Taliban

• U.S. Withdrawal:

  • The 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan ended with chaos, marked by the Kabul airport suicide bombing, killing 13 U.S. troops and numerous civilians.
  • The abandonment of $7.1 billion worth of U.S. military equipment further strengthened the Taliban's control, raising global concerns.

• International Engagement:

  • Despite initial opposition to the Taliban, powers like the U.S., China, and Russia swiftly recognised and engaged with the new regime.
  • Troika Plus (U.S., China, Russia, Pakistan) actively sought to shape Afghanistan’s future, sidelining India’s role in discussions.

• India’s Role at the UNSC:

  • As president of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in August 2021, India influenced Resolution 2593, ensuring references to Pakistan-linked terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • However, the resolution lacked enforcement, allowing the Taliban to operate without accountability.

2. Syria: The Ascent of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)

• Change in Leadership:

  • In 2024, Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, a former al Qaeda affiliate and leader of HTS.
  • Despite his extremist past, al-Jolani’s rise to political power led to a recalibrated stance by Western powers, including the removal of a $10 million bounty on him.

• Global Implications:

  • The acceptance of al-Jolani’s leadership highlights a troubling precedent: violence and power acquisition shield extremist leaders from accountability.

3. Bangladesh: A New Flashpoint

• Political Instability:

  • The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s secular government paved the way for an interim military-led administration under Muhammad Yunus.
  • Radical groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-e-Islami have exploited the instability, promoting extremist agendas.

• Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations:

  • Over the past 16 years, India-Bangladesh relations flourished under Sheikh Hasina’s secular governance.
  • The interim government’s anti-India rhetoric and increasing religious tensions risk undoing this progress, creating a volatile environment.

Implications for Global Governance

1. Erosion of International Norms

• The recognition of regimes like the Taliban and HTS undermines core UN mandates on human rights and terrorism.
• This selective application of norms signals that power through violence can lead to international acceptance.

2. Empowerment of Extremist Groups

• Radical groups worldwide are emboldened by the message that violence and authoritarianism yield legitimacy.
• This trend particularly threatens unstable regions in Africa and South Asia.

3. Human Rights Undermined

• Vulnerable populations—women, minorities, and dissenters—face dire consequences as human rights take a backseat to diplomatic expediency.
• In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s rollback of gender equality and education illustrates this disregard.

The Way Forward

1. Prioritising Principled Diplomacy

• The international community must reject regimes that rise through violence unless they demonstrate accountability.
• Diplomatic engagement should be a tool for enforcement of norms, not legitimisation.

2. Strengthening Multilateral Efforts

• Institutions like the UN should enhance the enforcement of resolutions like UNSC 2593.
• Economic aid should be conditional on progress in governance, human rights, and counter-terrorism.

3. Addressing Global Religiophobia

• Religious extremism thrives on polarisation.
• Efforts to combat all forms of religious hatred, as India has advocated, can foster global solidarity against extremism.

Conclusion

The cases of Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh highlight a troubling trend: the selective legitimisation of radical groups based on their control of power. This approach undermines efforts to combat extremism, erodes international norms, and destabilises fragile regions.

For nations like India, navigating these challenges requires a balanced strategy—engaging with current regimes while opposing radicalism and prioritising regional stability. Global cooperation and principled diplomacy remain the need of the hour to prevent further escalation and ensure long-term peace.