He believes that it is precisely the unreliability that makes people flee the country in panic.
- The Afghan people do not trust them and that is why we see so much panic and that so many want to leave the country, he says.
The Taliban claim that they have embraced modernities such as letting girls get an education - but that is not something to trust, says Ahmed Rashid.
- Even if it happens in Kabul, it does not mean that it will happen in smaller villages and cities, where the Taliban's rules will be even stricter by local leaders.
It will be a change because the Afghan people are used to a more modern lifestyle, according to Ahmed Rashid.
- The Taliban are in principle opposed to all kinds of modernities such as human rights and women's education.
Afghans are in desperate need
He believes that it is important that the western world continues to act.
- Otherwise there will be a humanitarian crisis.
Afghans are in desperate need of food, water, money and electricity.
None of that can be given by the Taliban.
There must be a way to help - and make sure it gets into the right hands.
He also believes that the Western world can influence the Taliban.
- They are very keen to get redress and get rid of the stamp as a terrorist group. They want to establish a more "normal" government. But they also know that they must improve the quality of life in the country, he says.