Ata Mohammad Noor, former governor of Balkh province has warned that Russia’s recognition of the Taliban could trigger new regional and international tensions.

In a statement issued following reports of the Kremlin’s deepening ties with the Taliban, Noor said such recognition would have consequences beyond bilateral relations, potentially turning Afghanistan into a battleground for renewed proxy conflicts.

He stressed that the legitimacy of any political system must be grounded in the will and consent of the people, not merely through endorsement by foreign governments.

Noor criticised the Taliban for ruling by force, dismantling representative institutions, and violating basic human rights and freedoms. He argued that the group has failed to earn any form of domestic legitimacy.

Drawing parallels with previous Afghan regimes, Noor stated: “Historical experiences, such as the governments of Taraki, Karmal, and Najib (the communist regime leaders) have shown that no level of external support can sustain a regime that lacks national backing.”

He urged regional and global powers to support the Afghan people rather than lending legitimacy to what he described as an imposed and repressive regime.