(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS2- International Relations
Context
The article discusses global patterns of legitimizing radical Islamic groups after they seize power – highlighting implications for Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh.

Afghanistan in 2021: The Taliban’s Takeover
- The Taliban captured power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. A suicide attack by the Islamic State killed 13 U.S. troops, and $7.1 billion worth of U.S. weaponry was left behind.
- Despite the Taliban’s controversial history, countries like the U.S., China, and Russia engaged with them, justifying it as a way to promote women’s rights and discourage terrorism.
- India, as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president in August 2021, influenced UNSC Resolution 2593 to ensure Afghan soil was not used for terrorism, particularly against India.
- The resolution also highlighted terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Evolving World Engagement with the Taliban
- In December 2021, the UNSC allowed direct donor funding to the Taliban without demanding accountability.
- The Taliban later restricted women’s rights and denied inclusive governance, but global powers largely overlooked these developments.
Syria in 2024: A New Crisis
- In 2024, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), seized power in Syria, toppling President Bashar al-Assad.
- Despite his past as an al Qaeda leader and HTS being listed as a terrorist organization, the U.S. and the West began supporting him.
- The U.S. removed a $10 million bounty on al-Jolani, showcasing a pattern of legitimizing groups after they seize power.
Growing Extremism in Bangladesh
- In Bangladesh, an interim military-led government under Muhammad Yunus has taken charge, reportedly tolerating Islamic radical groups.
- Groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hefazat-e-Islam are gaining influence, threatening minorities and fostering anti-India rhetoric.
- The military coup has provided a platform for extremist ideologies, reversing progress made under Sheikh Hasina’s government since 2008.
India’s Role and Concerns
- India supported Bangladesh during key moments, including the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles revolt, and has worked to strengthen bilateral ties over two decades.
- The rise of extremism in Bangladesh is a significant security concern for India, which must avoid falling into the trap of viewing the issue solely through a religious lens.
- India’s focus remains on protecting its bilateral relationship and ensuring stability in the region.
The Need for Caution
- Global trends indicate that capturing power legitimizes radical groups, as seen in Afghanistan, Syria, and potentially Bangladesh.
- For Bangladesh, reverting to an Islamic extremist regime would undo its democratic progress since 2008.
- The global community, especially India, must monitor and address the resurgence of extremism to safeguard regional security.
Conclusion
- The global trend of legitimizing radical groups post-power capture undermines democracy and stability.
- India must proactively address emerging threats, especially in neighboring Bangladesh, to safeguard regional security and its strategic interests.