Former Afghan Army Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat warns that the country has once again become a breeding ground for global threats, with al Qaeda establishing a safe haven in the aftermath of the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover.
Former Afghan Army Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat has issued a stark warning, declaring that Afghanistan has become a "crucible of terrorism" following the US withdrawal and the rise of the Taliban.
According to Sadat, the Taliban's swift seizure of power in August 2021 created a vacuum that allowed al Qaeda to flourish, with the terrorist group establishing a safe haven in the war-torn nation.
Afghanistan: A Crucible of Terrorism Reborn
This assessment aligns with the findings of a scathing report released by the Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee, which detailed the US military's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report concluded that the Biden administration had ignored warnings that the Taliban were in violation of the Doha agreement, which stipulated that the US would withdraw its forces only if the Taliban met certain conditions, including breaking ties with terrorist groups.
The report also revealed that the State Department had failed to develop a plan for evacuating Americans and allies from Afghanistan, despite clear indications that the Taliban would overrun the country.
Afghanistan: A Crucible of Terrorism Reborn
Furthermore, the report criticized the administration's decision to keep Zalmay Khalilzad, a Trump-era appointee, as special representative to Afghanistan, despite his role in negotiating the Doha agreement, which the report argues was flawed.
In addition to the reemergence of al Qaeda, Afghanistan has also become a haven for other terrorist groups, such as ISIS-K. The bombing of the Kabul airport in August 2021, which killed 13 US service members and over 150 Afghans, was carried out by ISIS-K.
Afghanistan: A Crucible of Terrorism Reborn
The Taliban's return to power has also had devastating consequences for the Afghan people, particularly women and girls. The group has imposed strict restrictions on women's rights, banning them from workplaces, schools, and public life.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has worsened significantly since the Taliban takeover, with millions of people facing hunger and starvation. The country is also facing a severe economic crisis, with unemployment and inflation soaring.
Afghanistan: A Crucible of Terrorism Reborn
The international community has largely abandoned Afghanistan, with many foreign aid agencies withdrawing their staff and suspending operations. This has left the Afghan people vulnerable and isolated.
As the world's attention shifts to other conflicts and crises, the situation in Afghanistan remains dire. The country has once again become a crucible of terrorism, threatening not only the Afghan people but also the stability of the region and beyond.
Afghanistan: A Crucible of Terrorism Reborn
The US and its allies must not turn a blind eye to the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan. They must work together to provide humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
