In a significant development, delegations from Afghanistan and approximately 30 other countries have convened in Doha for the start of the third round of United Nations-sponsored talks. These talks aim to integrate Afghanistan into the international community following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Importantly, this marks the first time that the Taliban will participate in such discussions.

Leading the Afghan delegation is Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban has also sent government officials responsible for banking, trade, and narcotics control, highlighting their focus on addressing financial and banking system restrictions and combating drug trafficking.

Notably, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will not be present this time. Previously, he had attended the two prior meetings. Representing the UN at the talks is Rosemary DiCarlo, the Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Other notable attendees include Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Faisal bin Abdullah al-Hanzab, as well as the US special representatives for Afghanistan, Thomas West and Rina Amiri.

The United Nations states that these talks are part of an ongoing process aimed at achieving peace within Afghanistan and with its neighboring countries. The ultimate goal is for Afghanistan to be fully integrated into the international community and fulfill its international obligations, including the protection of human rights, particularly those of women and girls.

Parallel to this, the Taliban is eager to discuss challenges facing its private sector, particularly in relation to the country's financial and banking systems. Their demands include the release of around $7 billion worth of frozen central bank reserves currently held by the US. Additionally, they plan to address alternative livelihood sources for farmers following the ban on cultivating opium poppy.

Afghanistan has long battled the illegal drug trade, being the world's largest producer of opium. According to a UN report, the ban on opium poppy cultivation introduced by the Taliban in April 2022 led to a drastic decline of over 90% in poppy cultivation and opium production in the seven months that followed. This has had a severe impact on thousands of farmers and laborers involved in the trade. The UN estimates that about four million people in Afghanistan, nearly 10% of the population, are currently drug users.

It's important to note that this meeting does not equate to official recognition. However, the Taliban views these talks as an opportunity to strengthen Afghanistan's economy, expand trade partnerships, and address the pressing drug problem.

The exclusion of women from these talks has garnered criticism, with the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expressing deep concern about their exclusion. Human Rights Watch also described the decision as "shocking." Since the Taliban regained power, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced increasing restrictions on education, employment, and movement.

Amidst these developments, an Afghan female activist, who chose to remain anonymous due to security concerns, voiced her disappointment, stating that Afghan women feel abandoned by the international community. She highlighted the stark contrast between the hope initially instilled in them and the subsequent abandonment.

As the talks in Doha commence, the international community watches with a keen eye, hopeful for progress towards a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan.