The Americans and the Afghan Taliban movement reached a peace agreement recently, and it appears that the obligations stipulated in the deal will be disputed between the two parties. Zalmay Khalilzad, the American special envoy to Afghanistan, believes that the continuity of the agreement is bound to the extent of the movement's respect for what it says, and here are excerpts from the dialogue conducted with him by the German magazine "Der Spiegel":
As the US President's special envoy, you signed an agreement with the Taliban in late February. What has been achieved?
We have achieved many American goals: First: The Taliban have committed themselves to things that they have refused to commit to in the past, including breaking with the al-Qaeda organization, and not supporting or hosting any terrorist group that threatens the security of the United States or its allies.
Second: I agreed to sit down to negotiate with an Afghan national team, to draw a political road map for the future of the country, and to finally agree to a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
The next step will be peace talks between the movement and the Afghan government ... How dangerous is the current situation?
The situation is really serious, and I hope that it will not turn into violence, after the announcement of the results of the last elections. The potential violence caused by the political process will have bad repercussions for the security forces, the peace process, and the country in general. And we work day and night to encourage all parties that this will not happen.
The newly elected government was supposed to appoint a negotiating team, and due to the political crisis that followed the presidential elections, this did not happen ... What is the next step?
As I said before: The current period is full of dangers, but there is an opportunity to advance in the peace process, in the event that President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah agree, and if a government that includes all parties can appoint a team to negotiate. From now on, conversations between Afghans can begin and work to develop a political road map.
What role can Afghanistan's allies play? What can Germany do?
Germany has offered to host Afghan negotiations, it supports efforts to end the current political crisis, and encourages Afghans to form a government that includes everyone. Germany can also support efforts to push the Taliban to accept a path that respects international values, including women's rights. Berlin can also encourage the European Union countries to move in this direction, and this could be a meaningful contribution.
- Within 14 months, will the US and international forces withdraw from Afghanistan?
This is in case the Taliban movement adheres to the agreement, and it is very important to know that the Taliban must play its role, because the agreement is based on conditions. It would not be fine if the movement violated its obligations.
What will happen with the military bases, reconnaissance units, and US Special Forces?
Our presence in Afghanistan is not an end in itself, and we want to reduce the burden imposed by military intervention. Deploying our forces in this country costs the US Treasury about $ 50 billion annually. Our goal is to verify that Afghanistan will not be a haven for terrorists, who may threaten the security of the United States and its allies. And we will honor our commitment to withdraw, as stated in the agreement between Washington and the "Taliban".
We want to reduce the burden imposed by military intervention, and the deployment of our forces in this country is costing the US Treasury about $ 50 billion annually.