Taliban: President Ashraf Ghani must go: Ghani: U.S., NATO, with $$$$B have my back
The U.S. NATO make a hollow attempt at insisting that Democracy is the answer to Afghanistan’s woes. The Taliban remind the coalition that they failed miserably and that Afghans want an Islamic State. The President, a Muslim, plays both teams. But, he states, the Taliban violate Islamic tenets.
The U.S. puppet must go in order for Afghanistan to have peace, say the Taliban.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, who is also a member of the group’s negotiating team, laid out the insurgents’ stance on what should come next in a country on the precipice……I want to make it clear that we do not believe in the monopoly of power because any governments who (sought) to monopolize power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments,”
The Taliban have a strong momentum, having seized strategic border crossings and are threatening a number of provincial capitals, putting them in a stronger position of power according to DOD’S Miley. . .
President Ghani on state of Afghanistan:
First, the US and NATO partners have left behind considerable assets, provided concrete commitments in assistance and support, and are framing the future as a new chapter of the relationship. Mr. Borrell, I thank you. Bagram airport, which I visited on the 9th, alone has an estimated $3 billion worth. It used to be the busiest airport in the world for ten years. We plan to turn Bagram and other military airports into hubs of trade and connectivity. The investments made by our people, as illustrated by my visits to the thriving cities of Khost in the east and Mazar-i-Sharif in the north, provide for lives with dignity. Our people have put all their resources into creating livelihoods for themselves in a platform for eradication of poverty and living with dignity.
Second, as a state, we are dedicated to a clear vision of peace, stability and prosperity through internal reforms and regional cooperation. Our reforms, ranging from digitalization of the government to the overhaul of our budget and revenue to construction of major irrigation and development projects are in implementation. I was delighted to welcome 161 people on the first direct flight from the UAE to the brand-new airport in Khost—a dream come true—on the 10th. I associated myself with President Mirziyoyev’s full proposal for regional projects.
Third, as a people and state, pursuit of a political settlement to the conflict with the Taliban has been our national priority. The end-state of a sovereign, united, democratic, peaceful and connected Afghanistan has been endorsed internationally and regionally. We have offered a clear roadmap, particularly in my article in the Foreign Affairs, consisting of making peace, forming a government of peace and sustaining peace through the will of the people, meaning there must be elections to elect my successor to the highest office in the land. We are also building consensus for the permanent neutrality of Afghanistan and we need your support for this.
Fourth, the enabling legal environment for utilization of our natural wealth—ranging from mining, oil and gas to renewable energy in geothermal, hydro, solar and wind has been created. We are talking not about megawatts but gigawatts of energy. We announced the award of a series of mining contracts on the 8th of July and finalized the process of procurement of over a hundred construction contracts on the 10th of July.
Fifth, the Islamic Republic as a constitutional system of government and the Afghan National and Defense Forces (ANDSF) have strong public support. Thanks to technology, I have been interacting with governors and defense and security officials across the country on an hourly basis to concentrate our forces and strictly practice economy of effort. I am delighted that recruitment to our all voluntary forces is considerably up.
Taliban have unleashed a destructive wave of attacks across the country. Contrary to their commitments to the US to pursue a political solution, they have deployed the over 5,000 prisoners released at the request of the international community by the Loya Jirga as the vanguard of these attacks. Over 50 of the largest drug dealers released at international request provide financial backing for the onslaught.
Second, destruction of public assets, as manifested by the destruction of over 260 buildings and systematic looting of public assets, mark their trail of destruction. Reliance of car-bombs, massive planting of land mines, assassination campaigns, targeted killing of women and civil society leaders, and summary execution of prisoners of war constitute their arsenal. These practices are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee to cities and secure provinces. The only choice offered by the Taliban is that of submission and surrender.
Third, intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over ten thousand Jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month as well as support from their affiliates in the transnational terrorist organizations. There is a consensus among credible international observers that they have not taken any steps to sever their relationships with terrorist organizations.
Fourth, contrary to the declarations of their political office that they will not attack cities and provincial centers, they are accelerating their attacks and attempting to starve the cities.
Fifth, contrary to repeated assurances by Prime Minister Khan and his generals that Pakistan does not find a Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in Pakistan’s interest and short of use of force will use its power and influence to make the Taliban negotiate seriously, networks and organizations supporting the Taliban are openly celebrating the destruction of the assets and capabilities of the Afghan people and State.
What does this balance sheet imply for the Afghan people and government and our regional partners?
We, the people and government of Afghanistan, are fully focused on the present moment and determined to ensure our existence as a nation and a state. Relying on the will of Allah and based on the deep reservoir of patriotism, we are confident that we can change the challenge to opportunity. Based on the principles of concentration of forces and economy of effort, we are prepared to face the Taliban and their supporters for as long as it takes until they realize that a political solution is the only way forward.
Given the lessons of Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, among others, we wish to preempt descent to the hell of an all-out war. We, therefore, call on the Taliban to engage with the government of Afghanistan to end the war and the destructive recent onslaught. Also we call on Pakistan to use its influence and leverage for peace and cessation of hostilities.