The Russian parliament has passed a law allowing courts to lift bans on groups previously designated as terrorist organizations by Moscow. The legislation, approved by the State Duma, provides a legal framework for removing groups from Russia’s official list of outlawed “terrorist” organizations, provided they cease activities related to terrorism. This move could pave the way for Moscow to normalize its relationship with the Taliban in Afghanistan and potentially with Syria’s new leadership.

The Taliban, which was added to the list in February 2003, is among the first groups to benefit from this new law. Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was added in 2020, could also be considered for removal.

Despite the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, which followed the chaotic US withdrawal after two decades of conflict, no country currently recognizes the Taliban government. However, Russia has sought closer ties with the group, with President Vladimir Putin describing them as allies in the fight against terrorism.

There have been calls within Russia, including from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, to remove HTS from the list of banned terrorist organizations. Kadyrov, a staunch ally of Putin, argues that establishing ties with Syria’s new leadership is crucial for regional stability and to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

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