U.S. House Resolution 1433: Taliban Deemed Terrorists and Call for Support for the Vienna Process
U.S. House Resolution 1433: Taliban Deemed Terrorists and Call for Support for the Vienna Process
8am.media
16 September 2024
Over the past three years, the Taliban have committed severe violations of fundamental freedoms, basic rights, and human rights in Afghanistan. In a recent move, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution designating the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization. The resolution cites the Taliban’s oppressive actions against women, suppression of free speech, and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities as traits of a terrorist group, calling for strong condemnation by the international community.
American 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 resist the Taliban’s authoritarian rule. The resolution also highlights the Taliban’s support and sheltering of other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which has fueled regional and global instability. It stresses the importance of supporting the Vienna Process as a key platform for uniting all anti-Taliban political factions. The resolution further asserts that the Taliban have marginalized and oppressed the Afghan people.
The U.S. House of Representatives has posted the resolution on its website, officially recognizing the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization. Proposed by Tim Burchett, a key member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the resolution calls for backing the Vienna Process as a vital platform for securing Afghanistan’s democratic future.
Resolution 1433 asserts that since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have systematically engaged in violence, repression, and terror, eroding the fundamental rights of the Afghan people and violating international norms. The resolution points out that the Taliban have provided sanctuary to foreign terrorist groups, creating a safe environment for their operations, which has further destabilized the region and posed global security threats.
It highlights the Taliban’s oppressive actions against women, suppression of free speech, and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities as clear traits of a terrorist organization, warranting strong international condemnation. American lawmakers stress that, given the Taliban’s ongoing terrorism and repression, the United States must reaffirm its commitment to promoting democracy and human rights in Afghanistan, and back those who oppose the Taliban’s authoritarian rule.
The resolution emphasizes that the Vienna Process, created as a platform for political dialogue in Austria, has become a symbol of hope for anti-Taliban groups, strengthening a united front against the regime. The process promotes cooperation and inclusivity, bringing together former government officials, civil society representatives, and various ethnic groups, ensuring that all voices opposing the Taliban are heard and represented.
Furthermore, the resolution underscores that the Vienna Process’s focus on inclusivity and representation enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of efforts to establish a democratic and accountable government in Afghanistan. It advocates for negotiation and peaceful conflict resolution as alternatives to the Taliban’s violence, fostering an environment where dialogue can flourish. American 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 terrorism—it is crucial to support a political platform based on democratic values and the Afghan people’s ongoing struggle for freedom.
Article 1 of Resolution 1433 designates the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization for its violent, oppressive actions against the Afghan people, blatant disregard for human rights and international law, and ongoing support for terrorism in Afghanistan. It states: “We condemn the Taliban as a terrorist organization for its continued violent and oppressive actions against the Afghan people, its blatant disregard for human rights and international laws, and its ongoing 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 a key platform for uniting anti-Taliban political groups and stress the importance of inclusivity and representation in shaping Afghanistan’s democratic future.”
Article 3 encourages ongoing international involvement in the Vienna Process, recognizing its potential to unite opposition against the Taliban and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Article 4 urges the U.S. government to actively engage with and support the Vienna Process, ensuring that the voices of the Afghan people are central to any future negotiations concerning the Afghan government.
Article 5 stresses the need for solidarity with the Afghan people, particularly those marginalized and oppressed under 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 send the resolution to the Department of State and the United Nations, urging them to support the Vienna Process’s efforts to build a democratic Afghanistan free from oppression.
In a televised debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris previously referred to the Taliban as “terrorists.”
Meanwhile, the fourth Vienna Process meeting took place from June 24 to 26, 2024, in Austria, aiming to achieve a “democratic Afghanistan.” Seventy participants attended, representing 40 political, military, and civil organizations, along with independent cultural and political figures and media representatives.
The meeting addressed critical issues contributing to Afghanistan’s internal crisis, such as the rise of extremism and terrorism, economic and political instability, lack of rule of law, widespread migration, human rights abuses, gender apartheid, and the absence of a constitution—all with far-reaching international consequences. Participants noted that under Taliban rule, Afghanistan ranks among the worst countries for human rights, with systematic violations, particularly against women.
Key topics of discussion included counterterrorism, security, political prospects, international relations, regional impacts, 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 transitioning from the current situation to a democratic order. They also emphasized the need for dialogue, mutual acceptance, and a unified political movement, particularly in light of the exclusion of women and civil forces from the United Nations-led third Doha meeting.
The meeting underscored the necessity of an executive mechanism to ensure Afghanistan fulfills its responsibilities as an active and accountable member of the global community, particularly regarding sustainable development goals. Additionally, concerns were raised about Afghanistan under Taliban rule becoming a haven for terrorist groups, drug traffickers, and mafia networks. The meeting highlighted the need for support and coordination from neighboring countries, the region, and the global community to help the Afghan people transition from their current situation to a democratic system.
You can read the Farsi version of this daily report here: