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Taliban requests US diplomatic presence beyond withdrawal deadline
The Taliban is reportedly requesting for the United States to sustain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, beyond the August 31 withdrawal deadline. The U.S. official cited in the initial article claims the Biden administration is considering this as a plausible option, though no decision has been made.
The Taliban is reportedly requesting for the United States to sustain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, beyond the August 31 withdrawal deadline. If agreed upon, this presence would entail a reopening of the U.S. embassy in Kabul and a continuation of its various functions.
According to the aforementioned official, the United States is also “engaged in talks about the future management of the airport, discussions that involve the private sector, regional partners such as Turkey, and the Taliban.”
Some are pointing to this move as a bid for international legitimacy on behalf of the Taliban. Others feel as though a diplomatic agreement like this would be essential to Afghanistan’s future.
Research fellow at the Middle East Institute of Japan, Kenta Aoki, is one of those in the latter camp. Earlier this week, Aoki spoke with TASS on the issue.
Complications of a diplomatic reversal
“In this case, it would be highly difficult for them to keep tabs on the activities of international terrorist organizations there and carry out other sorts of activities. That being said, once cutting-edge American arms spill out into the open, and international terrorists get their hands on those weapons, it will pose a threat to the interests of the US and its allies. This is why I think that the best option is that an inclusive government, as moderate as possible, is created in Afghanistan, which will not ignore human rights issues, and which Western countries will establish relations with it at the level of diplomatic missions.” remarked Aoki.
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While the Japanese expert acknowledges the value that this would hold for the U.S. and its allies, he also noted that the current administration should remain wary of the Taliban.
Elaborating on this, Aoki said, “It’s doubtful that the Taliban severed its ties with Al-Qaeda.” And, that “It seems that other terrorist groups are also holed up in Afghanistan. However, without establishing relations with the new government led by the Taliban, Western countries won’t be able to reopen their embassies and consulates.”
There are so many facets to this issue, that the most likely outcomes are impossible to tack down. Regardless, it appears that there may end up being at least a handful of U.S. diplomats and Marines on the ground, once the evacuation efforts are completed.
