Under Taliban Regime’s Authoritarian Rule, Unstable Afghanistan Poses Serious Threat to the World

Kabul – February 23, 2026: Since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power, Afghanistan has increasingly become a hub for terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling networks. Security analysts warn that the country’s instability is no longer just a regional concern but a growing global threat.

Terrorist Safe Havens Inside Afghanistan

According to the international affairs magazine The Diplomat, the Afghan Taliban are providing safe havens to extremist groups seeking to expand operations across the region and beyond. The publication warns that without decisive global action, Afghanistan could once again become a launchpad for international terrorism.

The report stresses that to prevent tragedies similar to the September 11 attacks, sanctions on the Taliban should be tightened, and peaceful political forces inside Afghanistan should receive greater international support.

Cross-Border Terror Threat

Security assessments cited by The Diplomat claim that more than 6,000 militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij are currently operating inside Afghanistan with the capability to conduct cross-border attacks.

Last year alone, over 600 attacks were reportedly carried out in Pakistan by this network. In addition, Chinese business interests and cross-border targets in Tajikistan were also allegedly attacked from Afghan soil.

Analysts argue that the continued presence of terrorist safe havens inside Afghanistan is fueling regional instability.

Global Security Concerns

Experts suggest that extremist networks based in Afghanistan are not limited to neighboring countries but pose risks to Western nations, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In this context, some analysts warn against formally recognizing the Taliban government without verified and concrete counterterrorism measures. The Diplomat notes that recognizing the Taliban prematurely—similar to Russia’s approach—could prove to be a significant diplomatic miscalculation.

Calls for Stronger International Sanctions

Security experts recommend:

• Maintaining and potentially tightening international sanctions on the Taliban until verifiable action is taken against terrorist groups.

• Increasing diplomatic and economic pressure to dismantle militant safe havens.

• Supporting peaceful, political, and civil forces within Afghanistan to restore stability.

Observers emphasize that Afghanistan’s current trajectory presents sustained risks to neighboring states and the broader international community.