CHALLENGES TO CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION IN THE ISLAMIC EMIRATE OF AFGHANISTAN (1996-2001)

Abstract

The current research paper focuses on challenges faced in the process of conflict transformation in the First Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The study was qualitative with historical description and aimed at ascertaining the major challenges faced by the Taliban during its rule over Afghanistan in the period 1996-2001. The conflict transformation theory of Johan Galtung was taken as a guideline for this study. The theory holistically presents how durable peace can be achieved from a conflict-habituated system.

Predominantly Pashtuns, the Taliban's support was higher in the rural Pashtun areas as compared to urban areas in Afghanistan during their First rule over Afghanistan from 1996-2001. The Taliban ended the civil war in Afghanistan and gained the support of local Afghans, whereas the absence of proper administration and division of political leadership were the major reasons for their immediate takeover of Afghanistan. The Taliban improved the law-and-order situation in Afghanistan and imposed laws based on Shariah. They also categorically refused all those proposals and resolutions that were against the teachings of Islam and the Quran.After taking over Afghanistan and the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the key challenge was to run the Government and, more importantly, maintain a governance structure able to ensure the well-being of the local Afghans. However, due to strict implementation of the Laws based on Shariah and a non-inclusive Government, the world by and large did not support the Taliban, and that is why their government was not recognized by most of the states apart from the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.The disagreement with international laws and resolutions of the United Nations, allegations of harboring terrorist organizations, and human rights violations led to further measures against them. This resulted in economic and military sanctions against the Taliban government.

Key Words: Conflict Transformation in Afghanistan; Taliban in Afghanistan; First Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.