Mahek Birgi – THE CONVENTION

Author: Mahek Birgi

Mahek Birgi is an International Relations graduate from the University of Glasgow, where she completed her MSc. Her research examined how international organisations and Afghan-led groups respond to the Taliban's gendered governance in Afghanistan. Her interests include international diplomacy, human rights and the role of international institutions in addressing restrictions on women's rights.

WHAT IS ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TALIBAN FOR?

November 6, 2026November 6, 2026

When the UN’s political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, met the Taliban’s spokesman in Kandahar on 5 October, her post about the meeting listed the Doha process, socioeconomic pressures, climate change and Afghan returns. Counter-narcotics, alternative livelihoods and women’s and girls’ rights followed last. A day earlier, her post on the meeting with the foreign minister had…