Latest News
US reviewing possibility to reopen its consulate in Afghanistan
The United States is reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) rule without formally recognizing the acting government, according to a report.
According to a newly released strategy document from the State Department, the US is “cautiously” and without officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the IEA’s control, as reported by the Voice of America on Thursday.
This move indicates a possible change in U.S. policy, moving towards limited engagement with the isolated IEA government to achieve various security, political, and economic objectives.
According to Voice of America, the State Department’s guidance in this report states: “We support transparency and accountability, along with access for American citizens to consular services, in coordination with the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan].”
In this State Department report, it is stated: “Even as the United States does not officially recognize the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, we must establish effective working relationships with them to advance our goals and increase our understanding of the Taliban’s readiness and ability to fulfil their commitments to [Washington].”
According to the report, the US’s new strategy encompasses four areas, including counterterrorism efforts, economic assistance, local engagement, and the provision of consular services to American citizens, as well as aiding Afghan migration to the United States.
The document also emphasizes support for the work of the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs in securing the release of American hostages detained in Afghanistan.
Voice of America also reports that the document underscores the United States’ commitment to discussing the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly the rights of women and girls.
Following the fall of the Republic and the IEA’s takeover, the United States closed its embassy in Afghanistan, and this institution currently operates under its staff in Doha.
At the same time, the spokesperson of the US Foreign Secretary said in a press conference in Washington that whenever the rulers of Afghanistan want to achieve global legitimacy, they must stop the violence and fulfill their international obligations.
“As we have said on behalf of the United States to the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] in public and in private, their relationship with the international community depends entirely on their actions, and we will be looking to see them take a different course of action than they have to date,” said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department.
Meanwhile, IEA’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that any country, including America, who wants to resume its diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, welcomes it and is ready to cooperate in this direction.
“If we are contacted, we will take our measures, security is ensured, every country that activates its embassy and consulate in Afghanistan has a favorable environment for it, and we do not have any problems, and it is still getting better that both countries have a close understanding and contact through diplomatic channels, and it will end in the benefit of both countries,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
This strategic document of the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals the reopening of that country’s consulate in Afghanistan, while no country has recognized the current government of Afghanistan.
However, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized that it has completed all the conditions for recognition, but countries and the international community are looking for excuses.
Latest News
Afghanistan expresses condolences after deadly helicopter crash in Qatar
Latest News
Pakistan seeks Russian mediation to resolve Afghanistan tensions
Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has confirmed that Islamabad has asked Moscow to mediate in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan.
In an interview with Russian daily Izvestia, Tirmizi said Pakistan is engaging with Russia and appreciates the “wonderful offer” to help resolve tensions. He noted that proposals from Russia, China, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia led to an agreement on a temporary ceasefire.
“We tell all our interlocutors: please tell the Taliban (IEA) not to use this opportunity simply to regroup, recuperate, rearm, and re-attack,” Tirmizi said. “Because such large states as Russia or Pakistan cannot be destabilized by terrorist acts.”
The ambassador emphasized that decades of war in Afghanistan have affected not only Kabul and Islamabad but also neighboring countries, including Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and even Russia. “Therefore, we must all trade with each other, develop education, art, and culture. Terrorism is the wrong way to go,” he added.
The appeal for mediation comes amid rising cross-Durand Line tensions and violence that have killed hundreds and displaced thousands in recent weeks.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that militant attacks in the country are organized in Afghanistan.
The IEA however denies the claim saying that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s “security failure.”
Latest News
World must re-engage to prevent all-out Afghanistan-Pakistan war: Financial Times
In an opinion article published on Sunday, Financial Times warned that rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan risk spiraling into a wider conflict, and urged the international community to urgently re-engage with the troubled region.
The publication noted that nearly five years after the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, global attention has largely faded, despite growing instability. It highlighted restrictions on women’s rights and the worsening relationship between Kabul and Islamabad, once close allies.
According to the article, Pakistan’s ties with the IEA have sharply deteriorated since 2021. Islamabad accuses Afghan authorities of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan—an allegation the IEA denies.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, including cross-Durand Line airstrikes and clashes that have reportedly killed over 1,000 people and displaced more than 100,000. One of the deadliest incidents involved an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which Afghan officials say killed hundreds.
The newspaper warned that continued escalation could destabilize South and Central Asia and risk turning Afghanistan into a hub for militant activity once again.
It criticized Pakistan’s military approach, saying airstrikes alone cannot end insurgencies, and called for sustained ceasefire efforts following a temporary truce during Eid al-Fitr.
The editorial urged major powers, including the United States and China, to play a more active diplomatic role. It also pointed to China’s strategic interests in the region and suggested Beijing could step forward as a mediator.
Despite past failed attempts at peace, the Financial Times stressed that the risks are too high for the world to remain disengaged.
-
Latest News5 days agoIEA announces temporary pause in defensive operations against Pakistan for Eid
-
Latest News4 days agoPakistani shelling hits Kunar districts despite ‘pause in hostility’ over Eid
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan national buzkashi falls short in Kokpar World Championship semifinals
-
Regional4 days agoPakistan among top nuclear threats to America, US intelligence chief tells senate
-
Latest News5 days agoUNAMA puts death toll from Pakistan’s attack on Kabul’s Omid Hospital at 143
-
Latest News4 days agoPeshawar High Court grants bail to 68 detained Afghan nationals, including minors
-
Sport2 days agoIreland to host Afghanistan for ODI series in August
-
World4 days agoUS weighs troop deployment as Iran war enters new phase
