Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Doha Agreement, signed in February 2020 between the Islamic Emirate and the United States in Doha.
Zalmay Khalilzad has stated that the “nature of Afghanistan’s political system” is not explicitly mentioned in the Doha Agreement; however, the agreement clearly specifies that the “nature of Afghanistan’s new government” should be determined through negotiations between the Islamic Emirate and other Afghan parties.
The former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation wrote on the social media platform X that the current challenge for Afghans, the Islamic Emirate, and others is how to implement the commitments of the Doha Agreement considering the existing realities.
“The Doha Agreement did not define the nature of Afghan political system, but it clearly stated that a new government would be determined by negotiations and dialogue between the Taliban and other Afghan sides. The challenge for Afghans, Taliban and others, is how to deliver on this commitment, given current realities,” Khalilzad said.
Khalilzad’s comments come as Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the deputy political prime minister, recently stated that the Doha Agreement does not mean the United States can dictate governance to the Islamic Emirate.
Aziz Maharaj, a political analyst, said: “The Doha Agreement outlined discussions on the structure of the state system, which should be finalized through agreement among Afghans. However, the agreement was altered due to contemporary necessities, the Ukraine war, and other issues, leading to the current problems and instability.”
Najib Rahman Shamal, another political analyst, told TOLOnews: “I hope the interim government, with consideration for the interests of the Afghan people and Islamic values, will fully cooperate in implementing the agreement with the US and the international community. This could help resolve the challenges caused by non-implementation and enable Afghanistan to reclaim its place in the international arena.”
The Doha Agreement, signed in February 2020 between the Islamic Emirate and the United States in Doha, includes key provisions such as the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, the initiation of intra-Afghan negotiations, a permanent ceasefire, and the non-use of Afghan soil against the United States and its allies. However, both parties have occasionally accused each other of violating parts of the agreement.