Khalilzad: The Interim Government Must Be Ready to Engage in Talks with the New U.S. Administration

Bayan News – Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan, urged the interim government to prepare for discussions with the new U.S. administration, citing the implementation of the Doha Agreement.

Khalilzad made these remarks on Saturday evening (December 7) during an exclusive interview with Tolo News on the sidelines of the 22nd Doha Forum.

The former U.S. official emphasized that the Doha Agreement includes provisions that have not been implemented by either the United States or the Taliban, necessitating renewed dialogue between the two sides to ensure their fulfillment.

Addressing the interim government, Khalilzad stated that the Doha Agreement envisions the establishment of an Islamic government through negotiations between the Taliban and other Afghans. However, it does not specify negotiations between the former Afghan government and the Taliban. Therefore, the current setup in Afghanistan is transitional, and discussions among Afghans are needed to form a permanent government.

Khalilzad further added that those who are not part of the Taliban must also have a role in governance and the political system, which is one of the issues that should be addressed with the new U.S. administration.

He also highlighted that during the Doha talks, Taliban officials had promised education for men and women up to the doctoral level. However, years later, the situation has not improved but has worsened. Moreover, if the Taliban wish for Afghanistan to be part of the global community, they cannot disregard issues such as human rights.

According to Khalilzad, an inclusive government means that all people participate in choosing the system. If the people collectively agree and accept that the government belongs solely to the Taliban, that is inclusivity. However, if this is not the case, it must be addressed.

Donald Trump is set to take office in the White House on January 20, 2025, ushering in a new administration in the United States. Consequently, it is expected that the Doha Agreement, signed between Washington and the Taliban, will be revisited upon Trump’s inauguration.

Additionally, three years have passed since the interim government assumed power, yet no country has recognized it. Meanwhile, the Taliban have ignored women’s rights and human rights issues that are part of the Doha Agreement.

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