Editorial | Taliban promise on moderate rule key to bringing stability
- The best chance of preventing more deadly terrorist attacks on Afghan soil lies in strong leadership by the Muslim group and its ability to provide security
Fears that the return of the Taliban would mean Afghanistan would again be fertile ground for terrorists have gained traction with twin suicide attacks outside Kabul’s airport.
More than 100 people trying to flee the Muslim group’s rule were killed, along with at least 13 American soldiers coordinating the exodus, in bombings claimed by the Afghan branch of the group Islamic State (Isis).
That the new rulers, who seized power from a Western-backed government less than two weeks ago, were unable to stop the tragedy, and almost 20 years of a United States-led military operation to defeat terrorism failed in its mission, lays bare the enormity of the challenge.
Only by the international community uniting and resolutely supporting the country’s leaders is there a chance of preventing it from once more being a safe haven for extremism that threatens the region and world.
04:15
Taliban, US and allies condemn Kabul airport attack as end of Afghanistan evacuation nears
Although intelligence agents had warned Isis was planning to strike, Washington and its allies failed to stop the bombings that were roundly condemned by Beijing.
