Coalition forces waged a 20-year war in Afghanistan but lacked the religious authority necessary to explore a moderate version of the Islamic identity the Taliban claimed to defend. Religion connects most Afghans. It’s the force the Taliban used to build their movement, unite factions and offer an alternative to the US-backed government. Religion is therefore the strongest force to guide the Taliban towards a moderate future. That means the Muslim world must leverage its collective religious authority when engaging the Taliban government.
Twenty years ago, when the US demanded the extradition of Osama bin Laden, the Taliban proposed sending him to a tribunal overseen by the Organisation of Islamic
Co-operation, a 57-nation Muslim body. Despite the Bush administration refusing, the Taliban were making a statement.
