Putin signs law to reshape ties with Taliban and HTS
Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing for the removal of the Taliban and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. This marks a step toward changing relations with these groups.
Putin signed the law on December 28, enabling the Russian government to delist organizations from the country's terrorist list. This decision provides a legal framework for altering relations with these groups.
New relations with the Taliban and HTS
The signed decree allows the Russian government to exclude organizations from the terrorist list. This particularly affects the "Taliban," which governs Afghanistan, and HTS, which has recently gained control in Syria. This move is part of Russia's strategy to strengthen ties with these groups.
Russian "war bloggers" assert that such actions will aid in political and economic rapprochement between Russia and the Taliban, including the opening of new trade routes through Afghanistan. The decree also paves the way for possible cooperation between Russia and the interim Syrian government led by HTS. Analysts suggest that this will enable Russia to maintain military bases in Syria and ensure their security.
The ISW had previously noted that the Russian authorities were developing legal mechanisms to remove the Taliban from the list, and Putin's decree is likely one of the final steps in this process.
Consequences for international policy
Russia's decision to delist the "Taliban" and HTS could have significant implications for international policy. It may affect Russia's relations with other countries and influence the situation in regions controlled by these groups.
HTS is regarded as the strongest military faction among the Syrian opposition, currently holding effective control in Syria.
