New Delhi, June 29 -- In global politics, alliances are fluid, shaped by pragmatic interests that frequently drive shifts in relationships between nations. Seasoned EU observers know that the European bloc's oft-proclaimed support to human rights and the rule of law is driven less by values than by strategic self-interest.

A closer look reveals that the EU continues to support numerous authoritarian regimes around the globe under the guise of humanitarian aid or governance reform efforts that, in reality, serve to safeguard its own strategic interests

It is not surprising that Europe is seeking to improve its ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan and may, sooner or later, move toward normalizing diplomatic relations with the de facto rul...