Russia Removes Taliban from Terror List, Good News for Afghanistan

A Historic Shift in Russia’s Policy

Russia has made a surprising move. On April 17, 2025, the Russian Supreme Court lifted a ban on the Taliban, a group labeled as terrorists since 2003. This decision marks a turning point. It opens the door for Moscow to build stronger ties with Afghanistan’s rulers. But why now? And what does this mean for the world?

At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we dive into this major news. We explore the reasons, the reactions, and the future. This article breaks it down in simple terms. Whether you’re in the USA, India, or anywhere else, we’ve got you covered with clear facts and insights.

Why Russia Removed the Taliban from Its Terrorist List

Russia’s decision is not random. It comes after years of growing contact with the Taliban. Since the group took over Afghanistan in 2021, Moscow has slowly warmed up to them. Here’s why:

1. Fighting ISIS-K: Russia sees the Taliban as an ally against Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K). A deadly attack in Moscow in March 2024, which killed 145 people, was linked to ISIS-K. The Taliban is also battling this group in Afghanistan.
2. Trade and Energy: Russia wants to boost trade with Afghanistan. The country’s location makes it a key hub for energy projects, like gas exports to Southeast Asia.
3. Regional Stability: Moscow believes working with the Taliban can calm things down in Central Asia. Countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have already delisted the Taliban.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said, “We aim to build ties with Afghanistan in all areas, including fighting drugs and terrorism.” This shows Moscow’s practical approach.

How the Decision Happened

The process started last year. In 2024, Russia passed a law allowing courts to suspend terrorist designations. Then, the Prosecutor General asked the Supreme Court to act. On April 17, Judge Oleg Nefyodov announced the ban was lifted immediately.

This wasn’t a sudden choice. Russia has hosted Taliban officials for years. For example, in June 2024, Taliban members attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. These steps show Moscow’s long-term plan to engage with Afghanistan’s leaders.

What Does This Mean for Afghanistan?

The Taliban called this a “diplomatic victory.” It removes legal barriers for trade and talks with Russia. Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s envoy to Afghanistan, said it clears the way for “full-fledged political and economic relations.”

But there’s a catch. This move doesn’t mean Russia recognizes the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government. No country has done that yet. The Taliban’s strict rules, especially on women’s rights, make recognition tricky. For instance, girls can’t attend high school, and women face travel restrictions. Western nations say these policies must change first.

Global Reactions: Mixed Feelings

The world is watching closely. Here’s what experts and nations are saying:

• Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst at Crisis Group, said the decision helps trade but may not bring major benefits beyond that. “It reflects Moscow’s desire to improve relations,” he noted.
• Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert, called the move “not groundbreaking.” Many countries never labeled the Taliban as terrorists, so Russia is catching up.
• Western Diplomats: They’re skeptical. They argue the Taliban must respect human rights before gaining legitimacy.
• Afghan Embassy in Moscow: They’re thrilled. “We are grateful for the decision. It will strengthen cooperation,” they said.

On platforms like X, opinions vary. Some users see it as a smart move for Russia to gain influence. Others worry it legitimizes a group with a harsh record.

Data and Graphs: Understanding the Shift

To make sense of this, let’s look at some numbers. Below is a table showing key events in Russia-Taliban relations:

Source: Compiled from Reuters and other reports

Here’s a graph showing Russia’s trade interest in Afghanistan:

Caption: Trade volume has grown since 2021, with oil, wheat, and flour exports leading the way. Data from TASS and DW.

Why This Matters for the USA and India

This news raises questions about global security. The U.S. has also engaged with the Taliban, mainly for prisoner exchanges. But Russia’s move could shift the balance of power in Central Asia. It might challenge U.S. influence in the region.
In India, the focus is on stability. Afghanistan is a neighbor, and unrest there affects India. Russia’s decision could help calm things down, but it also means Moscow gains a stronger foothold. India will likely watch closely, balancing its own ties with Russia and the Taliban.

The Bigger Picture: A New World Order?

This decision fits into Russia’s broader strategy. Moscow wants to be a major player in Asia. By working with the Taliban, it can:

• Fight shared enemies like ISIS-K.
• Expand trade routes.
• Counter Western influence.

Other countries are doing similar things. China, for example, has accepted a Taliban-appointed ambassador. Central Asian nations are also warming up to the Taliban. This shows a global shift. The Taliban, once isolated, is slowly gaining acceptance.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, there are hurdles:

1. Human Rights: The Taliban’s policies on women and education are a sticking point. Until these change, full recognition is unlikely.
2. Security Risks: While the Taliban fights ISIS-K, some worry it could still support other militant groups.
3. Global Skepticism: Western nations may push back, seeing this as a risky move.

What Readers Are Asking on Quora

To make this article relevant, we checked Quora for reader questions. Here’s what people want to know:

• “Why is Russia suddenly friendly with the Taliban?” (Answer: Shared security and trade goals.)
• “Does this mean the Taliban is no longer dangerous?” (Answer: Not necessarily. It’s about practical cooperation, not approval.)
• “Will other countries follow Russia’s lead?” (Answer: Some might, but human rights concerns will slow things down.)

These insights shape our story to match what readers care about.

External Link for More Context

For a deeper look, check out Al Jazeera’s coverage on Russia’s decision. It offers a Middle Eastern perspective on this shift.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Change

Russia’s decision to remove the Taliban from its terrorist list is a big deal. It’s a practical move to boost security and trade. However, it comes with risks and skepticism. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we’ll keep tracking this story. What do you think? Share your thoughts below or on social media.

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