Taliban’s Repression Grows as US Policy Remains Unclear

US  – Afghanistan -(Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Despite past tensions, the US and the Taliban are now cautiously working together against common threats. This shift is unexpected, especially since US officials recently criticized aid spending linked to the Taliban. The change became clear when a top Trump advisor noted that the Taliban have been “moderately cooperative” in fighting terrorist groups like ISIS-K. He also praised Pakistan for helping capture a key terrorist behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.

Experts say direct US-Taliban talks might reduce Pakistan’s role as a middleman, though it could also lessen its influence. At the same time, connecting Afghanistan to regional trade and energy networks could benefit Pakistan’s economy. One analyst suggested that linking Afghanistan to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could help develop tribal areas in Pakistan, while Afghanistan might gain as a transit route for energy from Central Asia.

US-Taliban discussions have quietly continued since the 2021 withdrawal, mainly due to mutual concerns about ISIS-K. These contacts don’t mean the US recognizes the Taliban government, but they show a practical partnership on counterterrorism. However, internal divisions within the Taliban between pragmatists and hardliners remain a big hurdle.

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The US engagement with the Taliban is partly a strategic move to prevent Afghanistan from falling under Chinese or Russian influence. The US also wants Taliban help to repatriate thousands of Afghans living in the US under temporary protection and to secure the release of any Americans held in Afghanistan. However, Washington isn’t seeking a long-term relationship and may rely on regional partners like Pakistan for over-the-horizon counterterrorism efforts.

This limited teamwork probably won’t lead to a major warming of US-Taliban relations anytime soon. The Trump administration has many other priorities, though its deal-making style leaves room for flexibility. If the Taliban works directly with the US, it might bother Pakistan’s leaders initially, but it could ultimately benefit Pakistan by reducing regional instability.