UAE Accepts Taliban Envoy as Global Power Dynamics Shift
As global alliances change, the UAE's recognition of a Taliban envoy could have significant implications for the group's quest for international legitimacy
[Islamabad] The United Arab Emirates has taken a notable diplomatic step by officially recognizing Badruddin Haqqani as the Taliban government’s ambassador. This action signals a rare shift in how the international community interacts with the Taliban regime. Badruddin Haqqani plays a significant role within the Haqqani network and is closely connected to Sirajuddin Haqqani, who serves as the Taliban’s interior minister and is on the US wanted list for terrorist activities.
The UAE’s decision, coupled with China’s recent outreach to the Taliban, highlights a growing divide globally regarding recognition of the Taliban. While many Western nations continue to diplomatically isolate the group due to its militant ties and human rights violations, countries like the UAE and China appear to be taking a more pragmatic approach.
As the Taliban seek global recognition, the UAE’s acceptance of an ambassador could signal a new phase in their diplomatic efforts. This move comes at a time of shifting global alliances, where traditional relationships are being reconsidered, and new partnerships are emerging. Broader implications for the Taliban’s international legitimacy may follow this decision.
The group remains largely isolated from the West despite actively building ties with regional powers. For example, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov recently made the highest-level visit to Kabul since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Although the Taliban remain isolated in the West, concerns about human rights—especially women’s rights—dominate discussions about the group.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri called on the global community to avoid normalizing relations with Kabul unless there is substantial improvement in human rights. In a statement on X, Amiri urged the international community to uphold its stance without engaging with the Taliban unless there are significant advancements in their human rights record.
The Haqqani Network, a hard-line jihadi group, is a significant force in Afghanistan and along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Although it is considered a branch of the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani Network operates independently with its own command structure. The network, founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani during the anti-Soviet jihad of the 1980s, has maintained close ties with al-Qaida and has been involved in violent activities since its inception.
During the 1980s, Jalaluddin Haqqani became a key CIA asset, with the US and its allies, including Pakistan, funneling arms and funds to the mujahedeen. The Haqqani Network continued its violent activities after the Soviet withdrawal, gaining significant battlefield experience and deepening ties with jihadists like Osama bin Laden.
The group’s leadership within the Haqqani family is known for its strategic acumen and connections to regional power structures. This strong leadership has allowed the network to maintain close relationships with al-Qaida, providing access to additional resources, training, and strategic insights. Over time, the network’s cooperation with al-Qaida and the Taliban only deepened, especially after 9/11.
Throughout the 20-year US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the Haqqani Network emerged as one of the most formidable forces, responsible for some of the deadliest attacks on US and allied forces. The network’s adaptability, strong local backing in tribal regions, and sophisticated insurgency tactics, including suicide bombings and complex assaults, have solidified its reputation as a powerful entity.
The US Treasury Department has designated Sirajuddin Haqqani, the network’s current leader, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program is offering up to $10 million for information leading to his capture.
The Media Line spoke with experts to address a critical question: Why do the Taliban place such importance on the outlawed Haqqani Network?
The Haqqani Network is the most powerful group in Afghanistan, with a large number of trained fighters, making it far stronger than other Taliban factions
Sher Gul Zadran, a former Afghan intelligence officer now in exile, noted that “The Haqqani Network is the most powerful group in Afghanistan, with a large number of trained fighters, making it far stronger than other Taliban factions. The Taliban’s connection to the Haqqani Network is essential.”
Zadran further explained, “The network’s control over key security and intelligence positions underscores its strategic importance, evidenced by its influence in keeping Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar rather than Kabul.” He added that “Afghan leaders, especially the Haqqani brothers, have close ties with the ruling family of the UAE. Last month, they met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
The UAE’s relationship with the Taliban is unlikely to harm its ties with the West
Lucas Webber, a counterterrorism and global security expert at the New York-based Soufan Center, also commented on the situation. He stated, “The UAE’s relationship with the Taliban is unlikely to harm its ties with the West.” Webber noted that “the US and other Western nations are actively working, both behind the scenes and openly, to address threats like IS-KP despite human rights concerns.”
Webber observed, “China is taking a pragmatic approach, seeking to bolster diplomatic, economic, and security relations with the Taliban for national interests, including countering anti-China groups like IS-KP and the Turkistan Islamic Party.” He suggested that “while the US could target the Haqqanis, it avoids doing so for diplomatic reasons.” Webber pointed out that “the Taliban are in talks with the US and other nations, offering assurances that Afghan soil will not be used for attacks on the West.” Despite these assurances, he added, “The Taliban have struggled to control IS-KP’s external operations. However, they still hold leverage over groups like al-Qaida, which have historically targeted the US and Western countries.”
In a separate analysis, Muhammed Shareh Qazi, a Lahore-based global security analyst specializing in nuclear diplomacy in South Asia, noted the strategic role the UAE plays in Middle Eastern diplomacy. “The UAE has emerged as a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, recognized for its strategic importance and diplomatic achievements,” Qazi told The Media Line. He further highlighted that “in 2018, Abu Dhabi was chosen by the Trump administration for peace negotiations with the Taliban, demonstrating its importance at the time.”
According to Qazi, the UAE’s recent diplomatic moves might reflect a belief that former US President Donald Trump could return to office, potentially reinstating Abu Dhabi as a preferred site for future diplomatic negotiations. While these actions may face little resistance within the UAE, Qazi noted, “The broader Middle East could see the re-legitimization of the Taliban as controversial.”
The UAE and Qatar are engaged in a rivalry to assert dominance as international peace brokers in the region, particularly in Afghanistan
He also suggested that “the UAE seems to be presenting Badruddin Haqqani in a manner similar to how Qatar handled Ismail Haniyeh,” observing that “the UAE and Qatar are engaged in a rivalry to assert dominance as international peace brokers in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.” Additionally, Qazi pointed out, “While both the UAE and China recognize the Taliban and invest in Afghanistan, the UAE’s stronger international reputation, supported by its ties with the US and India, positions it as a key buffer state—a role typically associated with Qatar.”
Amer Al Sabaileh, a Jordanian strategic analyst and nonresident fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, added another perspective, telling The Media Line, “The United Arab Emirates is now adopting a zero-conflict approach with all countries.” He went on to emphasize, “Central Asia is a key element in the UAE’s broader national security strategy. Engaging with the Taliban could strengthen the UAE’s foothold in Central Asia and help manage risks from various extremist groups.” Given the UAE’s strong opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood and radical Islam, Al Sabaileh noted, “This strategy could also aid the UAE in containing threats from al-Qaida in Yemen, particularly regarding its allies in the Southern Transitional Council.”
Finally, Faran Jeffery, COO of the UK-based Midstone Centre for International Affairs, shared his views, stating, “The US and other Western nations are concerned about human rights under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, but they recognize that disengagement could allow Russia and China to gain more influence.” He added, “When Western nations see their Muslim allies engaging with the Taliban, they don’t oppose it. Some in the West may even support it, as it could eventually lead to their own engagement with the Taliban.”
