Syria’s new leadership gains global recognition while Afghan Taliban remain isolated

International politics has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests. This reality is evident in the contrasting global response to two conflict-torn Islamic nations—Syria and Afghanistan.

Despite their similar backgrounds, Syria’s interim government has swiftly gained diplomatic recognition, while the Afghan Taliban remain in isolation.

Within three months of taking office, Syria’s new leadership, led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has secured global recognition. The international community, including the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and several Middle Eastern nations, has accepted his leadership. Even Israel’s foreign minister referred to Syria’s new rulers as “soft-spoken jihadists.”

Al-Sharaa, who was once on global terror lists, recently visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey, where he was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Before that, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani made a state visit to Damascus. European nations have already sent ambassadors to Syria, and Washington is reportedly considering diplomatic talks.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban, in power for over three years, remain internationally isolated. No world leader has extended an official invitation to their interim head, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. Afghanistan’s frozen assets remain inaccessible, and no significant global funding has been allocated for the country's development. Even Qatar, once a key mediator for the Taliban, has distanced itself.

Unlike Syria’s leadership, which has adapted its policies to global norms, the Afghan Taliban continue to enforce rigid governance, restricting women's rights and maintaining a hardline stance. The world remains hesitant to engage with them.

Syria’s rapid diplomatic success raises questions about Afghanistan’s future. Can the Taliban reform their policies to gain global acceptance, or will their international isolation persist?