You make a silly point.  Whether we recognize them as a nation state doesn't matter.

These people are operating totally, completely as a nation state.  The state is providing for the common good of the people.   Elections are held, representation is done, law exists, law is being enforced, taxes collected, justice is meted out.  Property and rights are being protected.

There is a functioning government in place, unlike Somalia.  

It's a governed.

As a matter of justice we OWE them due recognition.

It's not a matter of our opinion, or simply because we've been cowardly for the last 40 years.