US military exits Afghanistan after 20 years, Taliban leader meets Indian envoy in Doha
US President Joe Biden announced the completion of airlift mission in Afghanistan, ending western troop presence in the country after two decades, even as the Taliban assured New Delhi it would “positively address” its top three concerns of early evacuation of Indians, the travel of Afghans, especially the minorities, and ensuring that Afghan soil is not used to incubate terrorism against India.
Biden said the US would lead efforts for safe passage for Americans, loyal Afghan and foreign nationals with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby admitting that “hundreds” of Americans were still in Afghanistan.
The Taliban observed the withdrawal of US troops with a ceremony where it again reiterated its promise of amnesty. But the crowds milling outside Kabul airport and at the borders with Pakistan suggested otherwise. There were also reports of reprisals by the Taliban in some regions.
“This is not a tactic but our strategy and approach,” underlined Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. He also said the new regime wanted good political and economic relations with the world.
A similar assurance was given by the head of the Taliban’s Political Office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, to Indian ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal after a meeting requested by the insurgent organisation. Stanikzai had recently extended the olive branch to India by stating that the Taliban wanted to have good political and economic ties with India. For New Delhi, it was the first formal meeting with the Taliban, which has been meeting envoys of half-dozen countries daily.
Mittal along with diplomat JP Singh have attended some of the Doha confabulations and are also understood to have met Taliban leaders, including Stanikzai, an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Faced with the embarrassment of only Russia, China and a handful of other countries maintaining their missions in Kabul, the Taliban are looking at India and other neighbours to reopen their embassies. Another Taliban leader Maulvi Delawar welcomed the countries that have kept open their embassies and called on those who have left to reopen their embassies.
A third Taliban leader said while security problems have been solved, there are economic problems. India is among the countries holding the key to economic problems as it heads the sanctions committee at the UN Security Council. The World Bank and IMF can release funds if this committee decides to delist many Taliban members tipped for Cabinet positions.
US Gen last to leave
Carrying his rifle down by his side, Major General Chris Donahue became the last US soldier to board the final flight out of Afghanistan a minute before midnight on Monday. Reuters
MEA: Afghanistan soil mustn’t be used against India
India’s discussions with Taliban focused on safety, security and early return of Indians, the MEA said. India said Afghanistan’s soil shouldn’t be used for anti-India activities.
US military exits Afghanistan after 20 years, Taliban leader meets Indian envoy in Doha
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Taliban Must earn international support
The Taliban seek international legitimacy and support. Our message is: any legitimacy and any support will have to be earned. — Antony Blinken, US Secy of State
