Four years after a historic deal had paved the path for the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power, prosperity and a life sans fear remains just as elusive in Kabul. Before Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid lamented in his inaugural remarks at the Doha Talks about the “slow” process of easing financial and trade sanctions, he should have taken a close look at the ground realities. Ever since the US-led Nato alliance decided to withdraw from the war-ravaged country, little effort has been made to protect the helpless civilians against the worst humanitarian crisis on record. Hunger and abject poverty have become a routine matter, leaving two-thirds of the population food insecure, over 800,000 children facing acute malnutrition while women and girls have been pushed against the wall. Today, when the Afghan Taliban seeks global help as a means to get rid of its pariah status, the question that arises is whether they are willing to address the root causes of the suffering of the people they are responsible for. Because of a naked disregard of all promises of having turned a new leaf, the administration has been marred by violence, oppression, and violation of fundamental human rights. The tide of oppression remains stronger than ever before. Therefore, it would be a daunting task for the interim leadership to once again earn the confidence and trust of the international community based on eloquent words alone. Scepticism abounds about their willingness to align with the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and respect for the rights of all individuals, may they be women or religious minorities. Hope trumps experience. Ergo, this transition from Doha to Doha might raise expectations regarding a much-awaited breakthrough – a significant milestone in the peace process. However, it is important to note that this is just the beginning of a long and challenging journey. The Afghan Taliban must demonstrate genuine commitment to reforms and reconciliation if they are to be taken seriously as a legitimate political force. May it be their hardline policy of gender apartheid or a blatant about-turn on commitment to ensuring regional peace, the international community would have to play its due role in exerting pressure on the Taliban to mend their ways. Otherwise, what is the point of symbolic gestures? *