Taliban seek funding from old Afghan war rivals

Significance

The move undermines the international consensus that the Taliban government should not receive direct aid until it addresses issues such as more inclusive government and the continuing presence of foreign Islamist extremists. However, Taliban-run Afghanistan offers opportunities to compete with the United States.

Impacts

• Russia's efforts to assist Afghanistan will advertise its enduring influence in Central Asia, despite signs that this is waning.
• The Taliban will exploit any signs of US-Russian competition for influence.
• The release of reserve funds also amounts to indirect and partial US legitimisation of Kabul.