Afghanistan Peace Campaign
John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, recently claimed that foreign terrorists have returned to Afghanistan. He argued that the United States should stop providing assistance, warning of the potential threats this situation poses.
In an interview with Newsmax TV, Bolton criticized the agreement made by the Donald Trump administration with the Taliban in February 2020. He stated that this agreement excluded a legitimate government in Afghanistan and was doomed from the start, as it was evident that the Taliban would not honor its commitments.
Bolton further criticized the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, labeling it as “catastrophic.” He pointed out that while the decision itself was flawed, the Biden administration also failed in its implementation.
Bolton expressed concern that foreign terrorist fighters have returned to Afghanistan and have started launching attacks not just in the Middle East but also in Europe. He even claimed that these fighters attempted an attack on three Taylor Swift concerts recently.
Serving as a former US ambassador to the United Nations, Bolton suggested that the United States should prioritize isolating the Taliban regime. He emphasized that the US should not be providing any assistance, whether directly or indirectly, to the current regime in Kabul.
Bolton mentioned that despite official claims, reports are suggesting that US funds are still reaching agencies that assist the Taliban-led government. He highlighted that the US contributes 22% of the UN’s assessed budget, which might inadvertently be aiding the Taliban.
According to Bolton, the Taliban is now harboring terrorist groups like Daesh and al-Qaeda, which could pose significant threats to both Afghanistan and the wider world. He warned that Afghanistan could once again become a refuge for terrorists under the current regime.
John Bolton’s remarks underscore a deep concern about the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the resurgence of terrorism and the unintended consequences of international aid. His criticisms reflect broader anxieties about the effectiveness of US foreign policy in the region and the potential risks posed by the Taliban’s governance.