November 08, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Taliban has expressed its desire to strengthen ties with President Trump and be removed from the United States’ terrorist list.
This development is part of the Taliban’s efforts to negotiate a peace deal with the US, which has been ongoing for some time
In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement outlining the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban commitments on counterterrorism. However, critics argue that the deal favors the Taliban and undermines the Afghan government.
Some experts, like Bruce Riedel, have expressed concerns that the deal elevates the Taliban to equal status with the Afghan government, potentially destabilizing the region.
Others, like Michael O’Hanlon, suggest that the ambiguity in the agreement could be used to push for concessions from the Afghan government.
The Taliban has maintained that it wants to avoid a civil war and is keen to negotiate with the Afghan government.
However, its stance on human rights, particularly women’s rights, remains a concern.
It’s worth noting that President Trump’s administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Taliban negotiations, with some arguing that the US is prioritizing withdrawal over stability and human rights in the region
