UN: Afghanistan Meeting Will Not Focus on Recognizing Taliban

A UN spokesperson confirmed today, Thursday, that "the meeting organized by the international organization regarding Afghanistan next month will not focus on the potential international recognition of the Taliban administration, after remarks by the UN Deputy Secretary-General raised concerns and confusion." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to host a closed meeting in Doha on May 1 and 2 for special envoys concerning Afghanistan from various countries. Earlier this month, the Taliban began enforcing a ban on Afghan women working with the UN, following the prohibition of most women from working in humanitarian relief groups last December.