A senior Taliban diplomat urged the international community to aid Afghanistan’s recovery during a meeting in Kabul on Sunday, emphasising the destruction caused by decades of conflict.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai called on the United Nations and international NGOs to provide support to Afghanistan in the form of technical help, economic development initiatives and agricultural cooperation.
He particularly addressed countries that were previously militarily involved in Afghanistan, claiming they have a moral obligation to help rebuild the country based on the Doha Agreement.
Stanekzai indirectly pointed to Nato countries that took part in US-led operations, claiming that for 20 years these countries bombed Afghanistan and conducted military missions that led to fatalities and destruction of the country.
“Cooperate with Afghanistan in all fields, especially in politics, economy, agriculture and medicine, so that Afghanistan reaches self-sufficiency,” he said.
The United States and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in Doha that led to the ending of the US occupation of Afghanistan and the subsequent return to power of the Taliban in August 2021.
Since then, the Taliban government has been seeking international recognition and aid, while also facing criticism over its governance practices. As a result, no country has officially recognised the Taliban government yet.
Realistically what will US aid accomplish? Will those suffering even receive any of it? Won’t it just provide the means for Taliban leaders and ideals to remain in power and strengthen? And won’t that inevitably lead to them getting comfortable enough to lash out at the world once again?
I understand the problems and suffering caused by our “war on terror”. Its not as simple as you make it seem though. its more of a moral dilemma rather than moral priorities.
What do you mean lash out again?
There is no US aid, there are US sanctions and seizure of afghan funds. Who do you think is going to suffer from those? It’s not the men in power with the guns, they will be fine either way. It just means that all the civilians will have even less opportunities.