Reference News Network, July 14 report: On July 7, the Russian website "Glas" published an article titled "After Recognizing the Afghan Regime, Russia Confirms Its Core Position in Eurasia," authored by Timofey Bordaev, head of projects at the Valdai International Debate Club. The full text is as follows:

No matter how much we emphasize the importance of economic scale or military power, what determines a country's global ranking is primarily the ability to set the rules of the game. This ability stems from confidence in one's own strength and the influence of one's decisions on world politics.

Several days ago, Russia formally recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which the Taliban declared after the US withdrawal. This decision is a major move that confirms Russia's ability to continue playing a central role in security across the entire Eurasian continent.

The main factor that makes Russia's position unique is its ability to take unconventional actions that are solely in its national interest and not influenced by external forces, while also being able to influence the actions of other countries, i.e., setting new rules for other countries. Therefore, it is not surprising that Russia recognized the new Afghan regime after the Iranian attack. The Iranian incident poses a threat to the entire Middle East, and the region needs a new source of stability. By resolving the long-standing "Afghan issue," Russia creates such a source of stability.

In principle, no one doubts that the Taliban government has the ability to control the situation in Afghanistan. It has achieved peace for the first time in decades on Afghan soil. At the same time, for Western countries, developments in Afghanistan are not a matter of their own security or economy, but an opportunity for dangerous diplomatic games taking place far from their countries, close to Russia, China, or India.

Now, when the US and its allies refuse to follow any previous behavioral norms, Russia shows its ability to change the situation with one decision, where the interests of numerous global and regional powers are intertwined.

In other words, after recognizing the Taliban regime, Moscow has forced all parties to re-examine their strategies in the region. Let alone the political and economic benefits that Russia may gain from the change in Afghanistan's status. These are considerable, whether in terms of trade potential or relations with Central Asian allies and partners. Although economics is not the primary consideration, for a resource-rich country like Russia, the most important thing is geopolitical influence.

In short, the US strategy on the Afghan issue in recent years has been to do everything possible to prevent the international community from recognizing the Taliban government, while still engaging in dialogue with it in ways that benefit the US. This approach reflects the diplomatic style inherited by the US from the British Empire: inciting hatred among neighboring countries to profit from it. For many years, Britain used this method to build relationships with European powers, including Russia, while concealing its weaknesses.

It is clear that the US wants to trap the Taliban in a situation where they are not recognized internationally, making any UN aid to Afghanistan completely dependent on the US.

Now, this situation has been broken. Signs indicate that other major powers may follow Russia's lead. The diplomatic blockade on Kabul has been broken, and the US will have to completely change its regional strategy. This is an important achievement for Russian diplomacy in its struggle with the West, especially in the context of Israel and the US attacking Iran. If this country undergoes a major change, the West may gain direct access to Central Asia. This would bring various negative consequences.

At the same time, Russia is creating conditions for other countries to act more decisively on the Afghan issue. This is a new opportunity for Russia's Central Asian allies and partners. They have long sought to prevent Afghanistan from being isolated. This is primarily because they understand that they bear responsibility for the security of the entire region. Second, this could be economically beneficial.

What can be expected after Russia recognized the new Afghan regime? There are several possibilities. The most favorable scenario is that other major powers and regional powers follow Russia's steps. In this case, Afghanistan will gain a new international status, able to actively attract investment for its economy and improve people's living standards. However, Afghanistan will retain its political system, which was formed over decades of civil war and foreign intervention.

The possibility of the US continuing its isolationist policy and forcing other countries to follow suit is small. After Russia made this decision, most Eurasian countries will be better able to withstand Washington's pressure, and Afghanistan will become part of the Eurasian security and cooperation system.

The least favorable but less likely scenario is that opponents of stability in the Eurasian region attempt to destabilize Afghanistan, supporting forces against the central government there. This decision by Russia is precisely to prevent such a situation. (Translated by Li Ran)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7526854733265469987/

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