COMMENT | The Taliban moved to seize power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and shortly after formed an interim government and declared the country an "Islamic Emirate".

It is seeking international recognition as the official government in Afghanistan, but no country has yet recognised it.

Even the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the two largest international organisations, have decided not to give Afghanistan’s seat to the Taliban government.

There are several reasons why the international community is reluctant to formally recognise the Taliban-led de facto government.

The key point among them is that this government lacks national legitimacy because it was formed by force and not by the will of the people.

The government also adopts gender-discriminatory policies, as women are...