The Taliban Kicked the U.S. Out of Afghanistan. Now They Want It Back.
In an interview, Afghanistan’s foreign minister called on the U.S. to reopen its embassy and invest in the country — a near-impossible sell for now, analysts and former diplomats say.
The Taliban's request for the US to reopen its embassy and invest in Afghanistan is a significant development, especially given the tumultuous history between the two nations. The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 led to the US withdrawal, and since then, the country's economic and humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate. The foreign minister's comments suggest that the Taliban is seeking to normalize relations with the US, at least to some extent.
However, as analysts and former diplomats note, this is a tough sell for now. The US has been critical of the Taliban's human rights record, particularly with regards to women's rights and freedom of expression. Additionally, the US has significant concerns about terrorism and the potential for Afghanistan to become a safe haven for extremist groups. Any effort to reestablish diplomatic relations and investment would likely require significant concessions from the Taliban, which could be difficult to negotiate.
What's next to watch is how the US responds to the Taliban's overtures. The Biden administration has made it clear that it wants to prioritize diplomacy and avoid getting bogged down in another conflict in Afghanistan. However, it's unclear whether the US will be willing to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Taliban, or if it will continue to maintain its distance. The international community will also be watching to see if other countries follow the US's lead in engaging with the Taliban, and what conditions might be attached to any future investment or diplomatic recognition.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. BahaNews adds analysis for general news readers.