Former U.S. Envoy Highlights Taliban’s Adherence to Doha Agreement Amid Afghan Security Concerns

Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, emphasized that the Taliban remains committed to the Doha Agreement regarding counterterrorism and has not allowed any attacks on the U.S. from Afghan soil in the past five years.

Taliban’s Commitment to the Doha Agreement

Khalilzad stated that the Taliban has adhered to its commitments under the Doha Agreement concerning counterterrorism, ensuring that no insurgent groups, including al-Qaeda, operate from Afghanistan against the U.S.

No Attacks from Afghan Soil

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Khalilzad noted that although he is no longer part of the U.S. administration, he has received reports from those closely monitoring Afghan affairs indicating that the Taliban has fulfilled its obligations. He pointed out that some forecasts had suggested potential attacks on the U.S. after the withdrawal of American forces, yet such incidents have never occurred.

Taliban’s Fight Against Insurgents

The former envoy described insurgents as a serious threat to Afghanistan’s security and revealed that the Taliban is actively engaged in fighting these groups and targeting them directly.

Restrictions on Women and Girls

Khalilzad also addressed the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls, labeling the ban on education for girls beyond the sixth grade as “horrific” for Afghanistan’s future. He stressed that these limitations empower the Taliban’s opponents and must be lifted. Khalilzad emphasized that no country can support a ban on girls’ education and urged the Taliban to reconsider its policies regarding women’s and girls’ rights.