How Russia's view toward the Taliban counters the U.S. By Jordan Conestabile

As the world reacts to the acts of aggression being committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Russia views it differently. The takeover is a positive change. Moscow’s U.N. Representative Vassily Nebenzia spoke of the bright future of national reconciliation with law and order returning to Afghanistan.

Russia is taking a cautious but positive stance in their relationship, buoyed by assurances by the Taliban that their takeover poses no threats to their borders or to their Central Asian allies. As the U.S. continued their efforts in downsizing their presence in Afghanistan, the Russian government has worked on developing a stronger base from which to build their relationship.

Photo by WKTV

As acts of aggression continue to take place, Russian diplomats continue their efforts in working with the Taliban during the transition of power. Monitoring from a distance, Russia has not formally recognized the Taliban, but instead wants maintain its position of leverage over the situation.

It is clear Russia wants to build a relationship with the Taliban based on promises that the security of Central Asia remains free from terrorist attacks. Russian concerns remain high that the instability of Afghanistan does not spread to their allies in Central Asia and eventually to their boarders. As terrorist activity grows in the region, a heighten fear of international terrorist attacks becomes a real possibility.

President Putin has portrayed refugees fleeing to neighboring countries as extreme militants that could threaten Russian security and criticized Western pressure on these countries to accept refugees whether or not they have visas.

Having its long history of military disappointments in Afghanistan, Russia is now using its leverage to embarrass the United States and other western nations as they attempt to withdraw from the country.

Jordan Conestabile is a Political Science student at Utica College