Pashtun Leader Critiques Taliban’s Concessions to the U.S.

An influential Pashtun based in Europe has sharply criticized factions within the Taliban government in Kabul for conceding to American demands, highlighting significant rifts between the Kabul team, influenced by economic needs, and the ideological resistance of the Kandahar faction.

Concessions by Kabul to Washington’s Demands

An Afghan Pashtun leader, well-versed in dealings with the U.S. government during its presence in Afghanistan, has reported internal divisions within the Taliban regarding its approach to relations with the United States. He noted that the Kabul faction, facing urgent economic pressures, has yielded to Washington’s demands, while the more powerful Kandahar faction remains staunchly opposed.

The source pointed out that one manifestation of this retreat by the Kabul team was their failure to hold a military parade this year to commemorate the annual victory celebration, lamenting this capitulation.

A Strong Recommendation to the Taliban: Demand Compensation for Destruction

In his analysis, the Pashtun leader argued that instead of bowing to the U.S., the Taliban should adopt an aggressive stance and claim restitution for the damages inflicted by the United States.

He underscored that the American government owes compensation due to the extensive destruction and loss of life in Afghanistan over the two decades of military intervention.

The Bitter Experience of Previous Governments under U.S. Policies

Drawing on his experiences while working with the U.S. government, the source reminded that the demands from Washington are directly related to the perceived strength or weakness of the opposite party. He cited previous Afghan governments as clear examples of failure in their dealings with the U.S.

According to this analyst, the more the Afghan government conceded to U.S. demands, the more those demands increased without any significant concessions in return. He referenced the latter years of Ashraf Ghani’s presidency, noting that even the Afghan president was regarded as no more than a soldier by Trump during that period.

A Final Warning: Choosing Between Humiliation and Resistance

In conclusion, the influential figure warned that the bitter lessons of the past lie before the current Taliban officials. He emphasized that the choice now rests with them: whether they want to be humiliated as Ashraf Ghani was or stand firm like dignified Afghans against the relentless demands from Washington to prevent further overreach.