Reaction of Taliban to remarks of U.S. President Joe Biden concerning implementation of Doha agreement

Reaction of Taliban to remarks of U.S. President Joe Biden concerning implementation of Doha agreement

During a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Washington, Thursday, March 25, 2021, President Joe Biden said he “can't picture” US troops being in Afghanistan next year: “We are not staying for a long time. We will leave," Biden said, speaking to reporters in his first press conference as President. "The question is when we leave." He added that, "it's going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline just in terms of tactical reasons.”

Taliban published a nervous reaction to this speech, which include special statement and official comment:

Statement of Islamic Emirate “Regarding vague remarks by the American President” from March 26, 2021

As the US President recently made vague remarks about implementation of the Doha agreement and withdrawal of all foreign troops, and moreover, some NATO member states are seeking to extend the occupation of Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate would like to clarify its stance regarding the issue as following:

The Doha agreement is the most sensible and shortest path to ending the past twenty-year war between Afghanistan and America and establishing a peaceful Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate is firmly committed to its undertakings outlined in the agreement, and wants the American side to also remain firmly committed to the Doha agreement and not wasting this historic opportunity due to flawed advice and incitement by warmongering circles.

If, God forbid, all foreign troops not withdraw from Afghanistan on the specified date in line with the Doha agreement, undoubtedly it will be considered a violation of the accord by America for which it shall be held liable and which shall also harm its international standing.

In such a case, the Islamic Emirate – as a representative of the believing, valiant and Mujahid Afghan nation – will be compelled to defend its religion and homeland and continue its Jihad and armed struggle against foreign forces to liberate its country.

All responsibility for the prolongation of war, death and destruction will be on the shoulders of those who committed this violation.

The resolve and seriousness of the people of Afghanistan must not be tested any further, and reason and logic must prevail to end the war.

Afghanistan is the home of Afghans, the establishment of whatever type of government is the lawful right of its citizens, no other nation can impose upon them a government or system from abroad, nor do they reserve such a right.

Comment of Islamic Emirate “Ambiguous statements not in the interest of any party” from March 29, 2021

As the negotiations process aimed at finding a solution to the Afghan problem has entered a critical stage and foreign troops are to depart Afghanistan shortly in line with the Doha agreement, the officials of the new American administration have begun making a flurry of conflicting and vague statements about the Afghan state of affairs.

On the one hand, the new White House officials under the leadership of Joe Biden are talking about remaining committed to the Doha agreement, but on the other, they regularly make declarations that showcase their ambiguous and reluctant posture.

We believe that the roadmap for resolving the Afghan issue has left the fold of ambiguity and uncertainty. The protracted negotiations with America and the subsequent signing of agreement and comprehensive endorsement by international actors has clarified the pathway forward in Afghanistan. The agreement has clarified and identified responsibilities of each party that have to be implemented, and if there exists true commitment and sincere determination towards this agreement, then there remains nothing which might cause confusion and indecision.

The truth of the matter is that America was at an impasse and facing an uncertain situation prior to concluding an agreement because it could neither envision a military victory in Afghanistan nor did it have a path for an honorable exit. For years the American troops were embroiled in a conflict which the White House failed to define and convince the American people about. Now that an end to this conflict is in sight, and as important and notable steps have been taken in this regard over the past year, officials in the White House must herewith end their state of ambivalence and vacillation and begin taking clear-eyed steps towards resolving the issue at hand.

Moreover, vague statements about transparent issues serve no other purpose except birth mistrust and undermine available opportunities. Just as the occupation of Afghanistan and continuation of war does not serve the interests of any party, statements that harm this unique opportunity at hand and give rise to mistrust are also not in the interest of either party.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — which has consistently had a clear policy — once again declares that just as the Afghan problem has not been resolved with extension mandates for foreign forces over the past nineteen years, it cannot be resolved with the same approach in the future either. The most reasonable and logical pathway forward to solving the problem is the peaceful approach which was agreed upon in Doha. The time has come for that agreement to take on a physical form from a written one and be implemented word for word. All alternative pathways will lead to nothing more than prolonging the crisis.

photo credit: CNN