September 16, 2021
1 min read

‘Ghani ruined deal with Taliban’

“Even at the end we had an agreement with the Talibs for not to enter Kabul,” said Zalmay Khalilzad…reports Asian Lite News

The US negotiator on Afghanistan has said that former President Ashraf Ghani’s abrupt exit scuttled a deal for the Taliban to hold off entering Kabul and negotiate a political transition, The Guardian reported.

In his first interview since the collapse of the 20-year western-backed government, Zalmay Khalilzad, who brokered a 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw US troops, told the Financial Times that the insurgents had agreed to stay outside the capital for two weeks and shape a future government.

“Even at the end we had an agreement with the Talibs for (them) not to enter Kabul,” he said.

U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad during the talks in Doha

But Ghani fled on August 15 and the Taliban, in a previously arranged meeting that day with US Gen Frank McKenzie, chief of central command, asked if US troops would ensure security for Kabul as government authority crumbled, the report added.

“And then you know what happened, we weren’t going to take responsibility,” Khalilzad said.

President Joe Biden had insisted that US troops would only work to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies, and not extend Washington’s longest war.

Asked about Khalilzad’s remarks, state department spokesman Ned Price said it was not an option to stay “a moment longer” in Kabul.

ALSO READ: Pakistan, China making efforts for recognition of Taliban govt

ALSO READ: Afghans stage 2nd protest against Pakistan in Delhi

Previous Story

Imran comes down heavily on US

Next Story

PM speaks to Morrison, reviews bilateral relations between two countries

Latest from -Top News

London Puts Beijing on Hold

The proposed embassy, earmarked for the site of a historic two-century-old building near the Tower of London, has been bogged down in dispute for more than three years…reports Asian Lite News The

Fiji PM Rabuka Begins First India Visit

The visit comes just weeks after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva, Fiji, in July 2025….reports Asian Lite News Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada

Modi all set for Japan, China visits

By travelling to both Tokyo and Tianjin within the span of a week, Modi is set to balance strategic partnerships with Japan and cautious engagement with China – two relationships that will
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China’s Actions Leave Foreign Firms in Uncertainty, Dilemma

Beijing’s increased scrutiny of Western firms over the past year

Will Norway host Taliban for talks?

Norway has been at the forefront of holding discussions concerning