US House of Representatives Resolution 1433: Declaring the Taliban as Terrorists and Calling for Support for the Vienna Process

Over the past three years, the Taliban have committed serious violations of fundamental freedoms, basic rights and human rights in Afghanistan. In a recent move, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution designating the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization. The resolution cites the Taliban’s repressive actions against women, suppression of freedom of expression and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities as hallmarks of a terrorist group, and calls for strong condemnation by the international community.

U.S. lawmakers argue that given the Taliban’s continued “terrorist actions,” the United States should promote democratic governance and human rights in Afghanistan while supporting those who oppose Taliban authoritarian rule. The resolution also highlights the Taliban’s support and protection of other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which has fueled regional and global instability. It emphasizes the importance of supporting the Vienna Process as an important platform for uniting all anti-Taliban political factions. The resolution further argues that the Taliban have marginalized and oppressed the Afghan people.

The U.S. House of Representatives has posted a resolution on its website that officially recognizes the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization. The resolution, introduced by Tim Burchett, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, calls for support for the Vienna Process as a vital platform for securing Afghanistan’s democratic future.

Resolution 1433 states that since taking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have systematically perpetrated violence, repression and terror, undermined the fundamental rights of the Afghan people and violated international norms. The resolution notes that the Taliban have provided shelter to foreign terrorist groups, creating a safe environment for their operations, further destabilizing the region and posing global security threats.

It highlights the Taliban’s repressive actions against women, suppression of freedom of expression, and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities as clear hallmarks of a terrorist organization that warrant strong international condemnation. U.S. lawmakers stress that given the Taliban’s continued terrorism and repression, the United States must reaffirm its commitment to advancing democracy and human rights in Afghanistan and support those who oppose Taliban authoritarian rule.

The resolution stresses that the Vienna Process, which was established as a platform for political dialogue in Austria, has become a symbol of hope for anti-Taliban groups and strengthens a united front against the regime. The process promotes cooperation and inclusivity, brings together former government officials, civil society representatives and different ethnic groups, and ensures that all voices opposing the Taliban are heard and represented.

Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes that the Vienna Process’ focus on inclusivity and representation enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of efforts to establish a democratic and accountable government in Afghanistan. It advocates negotiation and peaceful conflict resolution as alternatives to Taliban violence, and fosters an environment in which dialogue can flourish. U.S. lawmakers argue that after more than 20 years of supporting democracy and the rule of law in Afghanistan — and in honor of the sacrifices made in the war on terror — it is critical to support a political platform based on democratic values ​​and the Afghan people’s continued struggle for freedom.

Article 1 of Resolution 1433 designates the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization because of its violent and oppressive actions against the Afghan people, its blatant disregard for human rights and international law, and its continued support for terrorism in Afghanistan. It states: “We condemn the Taliban as a terrorist organization because of its continued violent and oppressive actions against the Afghan people, its blatant disregard for human rights and international law, and its continued support for international terrorist organizations.”

Article 2 emphasizes the importance of the Vienna Process as a crucial platform for uniting all anti-Taliban political groups. It reads: “We support the Vienna Process as an important platform for uniting anti-Taliban political groups and emphasize the importance of inclusivity and representation in shaping Afghanistan’s democratic future.”

Article 3 encourages continued international engagement in the Vienna Process, recognizing its potential to unite the opposition to the Taliban and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Article 4 urges the U.S. government to actively engage in and support the Vienna Process, ensuring that the voice of the Afghan people is central to any future negotiations on the Afghan government.

Article 5 emphasizes the need for solidarity with the Afghan people, especially those marginalized and oppressed by the Taliban regime, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to human rights and democratic values ​​in all diplomatic efforts.

Article 6 directs the Secretary of the House of Representatives to forward the resolution to the State Department and the United Nations, requesting them to support the efforts of the Vienna Process to build a democratic Afghanistan free from oppression.

In a televised debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump, US Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris previously called the Taliban “terrorists.”

Meanwhile, the fourth meeting of the Vienna Process, aimed at achieving a “democratic Afghanistan,” took place in Austria from June 24 to 26, 2024. Seventy participants were present, representing 40 political, military and civil society organizations, along with independent cultural and political figures and media representatives.

The meeting addressed critical issues contributing to Afghanistan’s internal crisis, including the rise of extremism and terrorism, economic and political instability, lack of rule of law, widespread migration, human rights violations, gender apartheid and the absence of a constitution, all of which have far-reaching international implications. Participants noted that Afghanistan under the Taliban regime is among the worst countries in terms of human rights, with systematic violations, particularly against women.

Key topics of discussion included counter-terrorism, security, political outlook, international relations, regional impact, human rights and economic plans for Afghanistan’s future. Participants stressed the importance of establishing an executive mechanism for global engagement and a framework for the transition from the current situation to a democratic order. They also emphasised the need for dialogue, mutual acceptance and a united political movement, particularly in light of the exclusion of women and civilian powers from the United Nations-led Third Doha Meeting.

The meeting underlined the need for an executive mechanism to ensure that Afghanistan fulfils its responsibilities as an active and responsible member of the global community, particularly with regard to sustainable development goals. In addition, concerns were raised that Afghanistan under the Taliban rule would become a haven for terrorist groups, drug traffickers and mafia networks. The meeting stressed the need for support and coordination from neighbouring countries, the region and the global community to help the Afghan people make the transition from their current situation to a democratic system.

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