- 23 Years of Conflict: Examining the impact of the U.S. invasion on Afghanistan’s politics, society, and economy.
- Drone Strikes & Sovereignty: Taliban condemns ongoing U.S. drone operations in Afghanistan.
- Economic Reconstruction: Key infrastructure projects aim to rebuild Afghanistan’s war-torn economy.
- Future of U.S.-Afghan Relations: Taliban calls for dialogue, investment, and diplomatic engagement.
The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 marked the beginning of a two-decade-long conflict that reshaped Afghanistan’s political, social, and economic landscape. As the world continues to assess the consequences of the war, Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, shares his perspective on the effects of the U.S. occupation, the ongoing challenges, and the future direction of Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The Aftermath of the U.S. Invasion
According to Mujahid, the U.S. occupation brought severe devastation to Afghanistan. He asserts that during the war, Afghanistan’s infrastructure suffered immense damage, its economy was left in ruins, and its people endured humiliation and oppression. The Taliban views the withdrawal of U.S. forces as the end of a period of slavery and occupation, albeit at a high cost.
“Whenever a nation is subjected to foreign rule, its infrastructure crumbles, its people are dishonored, and its economy weakens,” Mujahid states. “Afghanistan experienced all these tragedies during the 20-year U.S. occupation.”
Did the U.S. Bring Stability to Afghanistan?
While the U.S. has claimed that its presence helped bring stability and progress to Afghanistan, Mujahid firmly denies these assertions. Instead, he argues that peace only returned to Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal.
“For 20 years, the U.S. and NATO forces failed to bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan. Hundreds of innocent people were killed daily, and more than 100 homes were destroyed every week. Thousands of Afghans were imprisoned,” he says. “True peace was only established after the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan took full control.”
U.S. Drone Strikes and Continued Hostilities
Even after the withdrawal of ground troops, the U.S. has continued drone operations in Afghanistan. These strikes, according to Mujahid, have resulted in civilian casualties and violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
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“We have condemned these strikes and called them harmful to both countries,” Mujahid emphasizes. “America should cease such attacks and respect Afghanistan’s independence. A recent drone attack claimed to have killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, but this remains unproven.”
He warns that continued U.S. drone activity could strain relations between the two nations and hinder Afghanistan’s path to stability.
Who Benefited from the War?
Mujahid believes that the war served the interests of specific groups and nations rather than the Afghan people.
“The war in Afghanistan truly ended when the American forces left,” he says. “The conflict benefited arms manufacturers, warlords, and foreign intelligence agencies. Afghanistan, however, suffered immense losses.”
He acknowledges the presence of small criminal groups causing disturbances in remote areas but insists that law and order have been largely restored under the Taliban government.
The U.S. Investment in Afghanistan: A Reality Check
The U.S. has claimed to have invested billions of dollars in rebuilding Afghanistan, but Mujahid disputes this claim, arguing that the so-called aid was either misused or spent on military operations rather than benefiting Afghan civilians.
“If America had truly invested in Afghanistan’s development, we would have seen functioning factories, employment opportunities, and improved infrastructure,” he states. “The roads built by the U.S. were for military transport, not for public use. Whatever development has taken place in Afghanistan was due to Afghan traders and businessmen, not foreign aid.”
Al-Qaeda’s Presence in Afghanistan
The Taliban maintains that it is committed to preventing Afghanistan from being used as a base for terrorist organizations. Mujahid denies the presence of Al-Qaeda or any foreign extremist groups within Afghanistan’s borders.
“We have made commitments under the Doha Agreement that Afghanistan will not be used against any country, including the United States,” he asserts. “There is no need for foreign interference; we are handling security ourselves.”
Reviving Afghanistan’s Economy
The Taliban government has ambitious plans to rebuild Afghanistan’s economy, focusing on major infrastructure projects and economic self-sufficiency. Among the key initiatives are:
- The Qoshtipeh Canal Project, which aims to improve irrigation and agriculture.
- The Kabul-Herat Highway and Salang Road reconstruction projects.
- Expansion of the Uzbekistan-Pakistan railway to facilitate trade.
- The TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, which could boost regional energy cooperation.
- The CASA-1000 project, which would allow electricity transmission from Central Asia to South Asia.
Mujahid expresses confidence that these projects will strengthen Afghanistan’s economy and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
U.S. Sanctions and Frozen Afghan Assets
The Taliban has criticized the U.S. for freezing Afghanistan’s foreign reserves and imposing sanctions, calling these actions unjust and harmful to ordinary Afghans.
“The U.S. must reconsider its stance and allow Afghanistan access to its rightful financial resources,” Mujahid insists. “Instead of conflict, we need engagement, dialogue, and economic cooperation.”
A Call for Diplomatic Engagement
Mujahid concludes the interview with a message to the global community, particularly the United States. He emphasizes that the Taliban seeks positive engagement rather than hostility.
“We invite the U.S. government and people to interact with us,” he says. “Afghanistan is rich in natural resources and presents opportunities for foreign investment. We urge Americans to stop their politicians from pursuing conflict and instead explore avenues for cooperation.”
Looking Forward
As Afghanistan navigates a post-U.S. era, its future remains uncertain. The Taliban’s promises of peace, stability, and economic revival will be tested in the coming years. The international community, meanwhile, faces a crucial decision: whether to engage with the Taliban-led government or isolate it. The choices made by global powers will shape Afghanistan’s trajectory for decades to come.
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For now, the Taliban remains steadfast in its vision for Afghanistan—a nation free from foreign intervention, governed by its own people, and open to international cooperation on its terms.