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Khalilzad: Turning our back on Afghanistan would not be wise
Former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, warned on Wednesday that turning back on Afghanistan would be a mistake, adding that the Doha Agreement can be the basis for Donald Trump administration's engagement with the Islamic Emirate.
Speaking at the Global and National Security Institute in the University of South Florida, Khalilzad emphasized that the United States considers its interests in Afghanistan. He added that the issues in this regard include prisoners, terrorism, weapons, competition with other superpowers, and resources.
“My judgment would be turning our back is a mistake, would not be prudent, would not be wise, and revenge for what happened would not be a good motive to shape the policy. It should be future-oriented as to what serves US interests, and engagement would be necessary in my view,” Khalilzad said.
The former US diplomat said that the biggest challenge is whether “we can get Afghans to get to agree to anything together.”
He also said that there are alternative ways to engage with the Islamic Emirate in the light of the new circumstances and the assessment by the Trump administration of US interests, US objectives, and US grand strategy.
Khalilzad warned that the Islamic Emirate's refusal to form an inclusive government is a mistake and will create problems.
This comes as the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly claimed that it is committed to the Doha Agreement and that the current government in Afghanistan is inclusive.
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G7 envoys urge national dialogue for lasting stability in Afghanistan
Special Representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), including the European Union, have emphasized the importance of a national dialogue for achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting on Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, G7 special envoys issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of women's rights and urging the Islamic Emirate to fight terrorism.
The statement reads: "Achieving sustainable peace and stability requires credible governance that represents all segments of Afghan society."
The representatives also expressed concern over the IEA’s decision to ban girls from attending medical institutes, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the citizens, particularly mothers and their infants.
The statement described this ban as unacceptable and called on the Afghan authorities to lift it immediately.
Earlier, countries and international organizations had called for the removal of restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue.
In response to these concerns, IEA has repeatedly stated that it will not allow interference in the internal affairs of the country.
The G7 special envoys also expressed their concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the surrounding region, warning that terrorism remains a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. They confirmed the actions of the IEA against Daesh but stressed the need for more decisive measures.
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Afghanistan’s bright future lies in educating girls: Karzai
Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, says the demand of Afghan girls for the reopening of schools and universities is their fundamental right and adds that Afghanistan cannot have a bright future without ensuring access to education for girls.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai said: "The demand and voice of our country’s girls for education and knowledge is a rightful one and crucial for a prosperous Afghanistan."
He further emphasized, "Empowering the youth—both girls and boys—is the only way to achieve self-reliance, break the cycle of poverty, and drive the development and prosperity of society."
Karzai underscored that education is vital for Afghanistan’s growth and development, expressing hope that the doors of schools and universities for girls will be reopened as soon as possible.
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IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
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