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Trump pledges support for Afghan allies, but questions motives of some asylum seekers
He also reiterated his long-standing criticism of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “one of the most disgraceful episodes in the history of our country.”
Former President Donald Trump has pledged support for Afghan allies seeking safety and permanent immigration status in the United States, but also raised concerns about the motives of some applicants, suggesting that not all were deserving of assistance.
Speaking at a White House event on Wednesday in response to a question about Afghan refugees, Trump said U.S. officials “know the good ones, and we know the ones that maybe aren’t so good,” referring to Afghans who assisted American forces during the two-decade war.
“We’re going to take care of those people—the ones that did a job [for us], the ones that were told certain things,” he said.
Trump did not outline any new initiatives or specific policies to expand or reform immigration programs for Afghan nationals, but estimated that about 90 percent of individuals currently seeking asylum or permanent residency in the U.S. would receive help under his approach.
He also reiterated his long-standing criticism of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “one of the most disgraceful episodes in the history of our country.”
Trump’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the treatment of Afghan allies left behind after the U.S. exit from Kabul, and the future of resettlement programs under the current administration. In recent months, several federal programs designed to support Afghan refugees have been curtailed or eliminated.
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met on Wednesday with Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, Director General of Operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to discuss Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the meeting covered the country’s humanitarian needs, the increasing number of returning migrants, healthcare services, and problems and needs remaining from the war.
The two sides emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding the ICRC’s humanitarian cooperation and expressed readiness for greater coordination in healthcare and other humanitarian areas.
The meeting also highlighted that Afghanistan has emerged from a prolonged period of war and has now entered a new phase of development and economic growth. However, some problems and needs of war victims still require attention.
Security officials in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province say the situation in Zebak district is currently stable, but claim that Pakistan is providing shelter and training to opponents of the Islamic Emirate in the Chitral region.
Abdul Basir Mazhari, Badakhshan’s police chief, said opponents of the Islamic Emirate have established shelters and training facilities near the Durand Line in Chitral.
He claimed the groups could attempt to use the Shah Salim Pass to disrupt security in Badakhshan and other northeastern provinces.
“There is evidence that Pakistan has established shelters and training centers for opponents of the government near the Durand Line,” Mazhari said. “Badakhshan is the only province in the north that shares a border with Pakistan, and Pakistan has gathered opponents of the government in Chitral.”
Despite the claims, residents in central Zebak said daily life remains normal and there have been no signs of fighting in the area.
Badakhshan security officials said their forces have been deployed along the Durand Line and remain on standby to respond to any potential threats.
According to local officials, Zebak district has three routes connecting it to areas across the Durand Line, with security forces stationed in the area.
Football fans across Afghanistan can watch Tottenham Hotspur take on Charlton Athletic live on Ariana Television Network (ATN) tonight, Wednesday, August 26, with coverage beginning at 23:15 Kabul time.
The two London clubs meet in the second round of the EFL Cup, with Tottenham looking to progress while Charlton will aim to produce an upset against their Premier League opponents.
Tottenham enter the match as favourites on paper, with their greater top-flight experience expected to make them the stronger side. However, cup football can produce surprises, and Charlton will be looking to take advantage of any opportunity at their disposal.
The match provides Tottenham with another chance to build momentum early in the season, while Charlton will see the tie as an opportunity to test themselves against one of England’s biggest clubs.
The EFL Cup remains an important route to silverware for clubs across the English football pyramid, with teams aiming to advance through each round toward the final at Wembley.
Afghanistan fans can watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic live tonight on Ariana Television, from 23:15 Kabul time.
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