Taliban Seeks New Chapter With U.S. Based on Investment, Not War
🇦🇫 AFGHANISTAN: The Taliban says it wants the United States to return to Afghanistan but this time with investment, economic cooperation and development rather than war and airstrikes.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, speaking to The New York Times, said Washington could reopen its embassy in Kabul as part of a new relationship between the two countries.
«“The chapter of war has closed. We would like a new chapter to begin, based on mutual respect and the equal interests of both sides.”»
Muttaqi also highlighted Afghanistan’s mineral resources, water infrastructure and road-development needs, saying the country offers opportunities for foreign investment.
🇺🇸🇦🇫 FROM WAR TO INVESTMENT: The remarks come years after the U.S. and NATO spent billions of dollars on reconstruction and development projects during the previous Afghan government, while the Taliban fought against the foreign presence and frequently targeted infrastructure projects.
The U.S.-led intervention ultimately ended with the withdrawal of American and NATO forces in 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power after nearly two decades of war.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan’s New Foreign Policy
Since returning to power, the Taliban authorities have sought to expand diplomatic and economic relations with countries across the region and beyond, while continuing to seek greater international recognition.
The Taliban has also pursued closer ties with Russia, Central Asian states and Gulf countries, while engaging with a range of foreign governments on trade, security and regional cooperation.
The Taliban’s message to Washington is now clear: the era of military confrontation is over, and Kabul wants the next chapter to focus on diplomacy, investment and economic interests