The Taliban have kept up a close relationship with Al Qaeda despite having pledged to stop cooperating with terrorist groups, permitting the militants to conduct training in Afghanistan and deploy fighters alongside its forces, according to UN and US sources.
The Taliban’s association with Al Qaeda has continued even though the insurgency signed an agreement with the U.S. that bans cooperation with or hosting of terrorist groups — and despite a public statement by former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the Taliban had “made the break” with terrorist groups.
Terrorist groups ISIS and Al Qaeda will “likely” pose a threat to the United States homeland within two years of troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s top two military leaders have said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley agreed that the extremist organizations could regroup in Afghanistan within two years, or possibly faster, after the US leaves the country by the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
The remarks come at the time that Taliban have intensified their attacks in different provinces and Afghan forces saying that foreign fighters are still fighting for the group, adding that they have clear evidence that the group still have strong ties with Al Qaeda and other militants in the region.
Indeed, Taliban do not represent Afghan nation since they never listened to the people of Afghanistan nor seem to agree over holding talks on Afghan soil. If the Taliban really believe they belong to Afghanistan, they should not be afraid of living in the country.
Meanwhile, if the Taliban hold negotiations in the country, they have to reduce their violence for their own security. Currently, however, the Taliban fighters kill Afghan civilians and soldiers without an iota of care or concern and even using civilian houses as shelters against Afghan forces.
Considering the group’s continued violence and their ties with other terror groups, the regional and global stakeholders, including the US, should pressure the Taliban to cut ties with terror groups, shun violence and uphold all the treaties and constitutional principles regarding equal rights of men and women and should not be discriminated on the basis of their gender. It is significant to note that the Taliban inflicted heavy sacrifices on the people of Afghanistan, including men and women.
The peace talks should no more urge for sacrifices and the rights and liberties of people, mainly those of women and children, must not be at stake. Meanwhile the talks shouldn’t legitimize Taliban’s militancy and provide them the opportunity to travel to regional countries and seek political recognition.
Ignoring the Afghan masses voices and the achievements made so far in the country, the US and allies will make a big mistake which would definitely allow insurgent groups like Taliban and Al Qaeda to regroup and launch attacks against western countries.
Taliban have shown that they never believe on peace and stability in the country, rather seeking power through launching attacks, killing people and destroying infrastructures. The group have undeniable relations with Al Qaeda, therefore supporting such groups would not bring the desired results for some countries in the region and world, rather would help boost terrorist activities which would threaten the security of the whole world one day.
previous post
