Taliban and U.S. Discuss Relationship With New Afghanistan Government

Taliban
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Taliban
Courtesy of Victoria Pickering (Flickr CC0)

Taliban delegates and U. S. representatives met in Doha, Qatar to discuss the relationship with the new Afghanistan government. This high-level meeting was the first of its kind between two adversaries since the 20-year U.S. occupation ended on August 15.

According to Ned Price, U.S. Department of State spokesman, The discussions were professional and straightforward. However, he added that the Taliban would be judged not only in words but also on its actions.

The discussions centered on terrorism and security concerns, safe passage of U.S. citizens from Afghanistan, and the rights of women and girls. The Taliban delegations said that the two-day talks were positive, and they hope the U.S. and the international community will recognize the Afghan government.

The Afghan delegate led by Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, also asked for financial assistance. Since the Kabul airlift was chaotic, the Biden administration tried to open communication channels with the Taliban to assure the safe departure of American citizens and foreign nations.

Taliban
Courtesy of Stefan Ulrich Fischer (Flickr CC0)

President Joe Biden received criticism when he ended the evacuation from Afghanistan on August 31. Around 124,000 people were airlifted, which allowed Biden to declare the feat a success. The U.S. also facilitated safe transit for 95 Afghans and 105 Americans.

The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and other financial agencies shut down their operations after the fall of Kabul. The Afghan delegation asked the U.S. to unfreeze $10 billion work of assets to prevent bankruptcy.

U.S. officials told Reuters that the U.S. would force the Taliban to release Mark Frerichs and hold the Taliban to their commitment of not turning Afghanistan into a breeding ground for a-Qaeda.

Washington and other Western countries grapple with dreadful options as an extreme humanitarian problem emerges in Afghanistan. They will work out how to deal with the Taliban, but it is premature to give the Taliban the legitimacy it seeks.

Written by Janet Grace Ortigas

Sources:

 Al Jazeera: Taliban, US conclude ‘candid, professional’ talks in Doha
CNBC: U.S. relationship with Taliban unclear after end of Afghanistan War, senior defense and diplomatic officials say; Amanda Macias

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Stefan Ulrich Fischer’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Victoria Pickering’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

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