The Moscow Format meeting in Kazan has recently taken center stage in international diplomacy as it attempts to address the evolving situation in Afghanistan. A key development is the controversial invitation extended to the Taliban. According to Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov refrained from holding a meeting with the Taliban, designating them as 'guests' rather than participants.

This move has triggered debates, especially among women's activists in Afghanistan, who argue that the Taliban's track record of human rights abuses makes any normalization efforts inappropriate. The meeting's attendees and observers, including regional powers and international players, highlight the global interest in the Afghan issue.

Crucially, the formation of a comprehensive government in Afghanistan took center stage at the meeting. The Taliban's acting Foreign Minister's omission of critical issues such as women's rights during his speech has raised further concerns.

The Moscow Format meeting signifies a potential shift in international relations with the Taliban, yet the reluctance of key players to engage directly underscores the complexities at play. The outcomes of such interactions hold the potential to shape the future political landscape in Afghanistan and the international community's stance toward the Taliban.