Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatar-resumes-afghan-evacuation-flights-after-two-month-halt-2022-01-27/
Summary: After a two month break from passenger evacuation flights, Qatar airways, chartered by the US government, has departed Kabul for Doha. This has come after extensive talks between Qatar and the Taliban government. In December, a dispute with the Taliban took place over what passengers were allowed to evacuate Afghanistan. Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, also plans to meet with U.S. president Joe Biden in Washington on Jan. 31. The country has stated intentions to build allyship with the US, which was greatly improved after Doha assisted in evacuating American citizens after their withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Analysis: This shows a prospect for more potential talks with the Taliban government, not just Qatar but also other countries with intentions to negotiate and talk with the Taliban. This provides some hope for the evacuations of Afghan and international citizens. The Taliban government being willing to allow flights out of Kabul is a step in the right direction, even if they are still committing violence and hatred.
How does this relate to IR: This relates to IR because of diplomacy as a central theme to International relations. The diplomacy of the three countries involved in this situation, The US, Qatar, and Afghanistan, is essential to the citizens escaping violence and murder. It also has to do with collective security because the US and Qatar are using their power together to balance that of the Taliban and help diffuse the situation.