During the prestigious ET Global Business Summit in New Delhi, Afghan-American humanitarian Safi Rauf offered a critical perspective on the US government’s handling of the Afghan crisis. Speaking to Khaama Press, Rauf pointed out the flawed US strategy of negotiating with what he considers the wrong factions. Despite ongoing discussions between the US, Western powers, and the Taliban, Rauf observed a stark lack of progress in resolving the crisis.

The summit, spanning two days, showcased Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s positive outlook on India’s economic future, proposing India’s rise to the third-largest global economy under his tenure. Modi stressed the critical role of super-skills and inclusivity for India’s workforce. The event was graced by notable figures, including Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn, among others.

Rauf, reflecting on his own detention by the Taliban, discussed with Khaama Press the internal power shifts within Afghanistan. He noted that the Taliban’s representation in Doha is disconnected from the real centers of power, which have shifted to Kandahar. This disconnection, Rauf argued, renders the US’s dialogue with the Taliban representatives ineffective, as the significant decrees now originate from Kandahar, not Kabul.

He also voiced concerns over the absence of influential figures like Mullah Baradar from the discussions, suggesting that Baradar’s involvement could have steered Afghanistan towards a more positive path. Rauf criticized the US’s failure to establish connections with the National Resistance Front (NRF), a key player in the Afghan political landscape.

Amidst these geopolitical discussions, the UN’s plea for $5 billion in aid for Afghanistan was highlighted, with only a fraction pledged so far. Rauf underscored the critical role of international aid, which brings in $40 million weekly to the Afghan economy, according to his statements.

Safi Rauf’s journey from a refugee camp in Pakistan to becoming a prominent Afghan-American humanitarian and Navy reservist is remarkable. After moving to the US as a teenager, Rauf served as a hospital corpsman and linguist in the Navy Reserve and played a significant role with Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. His commitment to aiding those affected by the conflict led to the founding of the Human First Coalition with his brothers. This organization has been instrumental in evacuating over 6,000 individuals from Afghanistan, showcasing Rauf’s dedication to humanitarian causes.

In 2022, Rauf advocated for the Afghan Adjustment Act, aiming to facilitate Afghan evacuees’ transition to legal permanent residency in the US. His efforts underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees and the international community’s role in addressing the crisis.

This report sheds light on the complexities of the Afghan situation, the geopolitical dynamics at play, and the personal stories of those working tirelessly to make a difference amidst turmoil.

The Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States House of Representatives called the escape of former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as “cowardly.”

Michael McCaul agreed with Zalmay Khalilzad’s assertions regarding the failure of the former leaders of the Afghan government to maintain order, stating, “I agree, Ashraf Ghani’s actions and escape were cowardly.”

Michael McCaul questioned Zalmay Khalilzad about his and the US Secretary of State’s proposals for introducing more conditions into the Doha Agreement. Khalilzad responded by saying they proposed that the withdrawal of US forces should take place after an agreement between the former Afghan government and the Taliban, but after discussions with allies, it was determined that imposing additional conditions beyond the Doha Agreement would delay the withdrawal process, and if there was a need for forces, America’s allies were not willing to cooperate.

Michael McCaul added that this decision led to the Taliban’s domination over Afghanistan. Zalmay Khalilzad considered senior officials of the former Afghan government, especially Ashraf Ghani, as responsible for the collapse of the state and the current situation, stating, “The entire responsibility lies with the former leaders who claimed to have built the government but failed to prevent its collapse.”

McCaul also added his agreement with Khalilzad’s statements, saying, “I agree! I think Ashraf Ghani’s actions and escape were cowardly.”

Zalmay Khalilzad was summoned to provide explanations regarding the Doha Agreement to the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, February 15^th.

In response to McCaul’s question about an agreement to prevent the Taliban from entering Kabul, the former US representative for Afghan peace referred to General McKenzie, who was responsible for the withdrawal of US forces, not for ensuring security.

According to Khalilzad, after the withdrawal of foreign forces under McKenzie’s leadership, chaos erupted in Kabul, and the Taliban entered the capital.

He considered the escape of Ashraf Ghani and Afghan government security commanders as the major factors contributing to these conditions.