KABUL, Afghanistan: Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed the challenges surrounding the formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate as he emphasized that the United States stands as the primary obstacle to achieving this recognition and offered insights into potential avenues for progress.
According to Stanikzai, reopening the US embassy in Afghanistan would pave the way for other nations to extend formal recognition to the Islamic Emirate. He revealed that during meetings with various countries, particularly NATO member states and European nations, a consistent message emerged: they are willing to engage with Afghanistan on diplomatic levels if the nation resolves its differences with the United States.
Delving into the historical context, Stanikzai shed light on the covert negotiations between the Islamic Emirate and the United States that spanned from 2007 to 2018. As a key participant in the Doha negotiations, he revealed his role in overseeing discussions during this period. “From 2007 to 2021, which marked the final withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, I was responsible for all negotiations between the US and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” Stanikzai remarked.
Acknowledging ongoing resistance to the current government, Stanikzai recognized the pockets of opposition in areas such as Panjshir and Andarab. He stressed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to ensuring security in these regions, which necessitates the establishment of additional security outposts. While these areas experience resistance, Stanikzai clarified that most provinces remain relatively stable.
One notable concern raised in the interview was the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace by the United States and neighbouring countries. Stanikzai pointed out that such violations undermine the nation’s sovereignty. He further highlighted the challenges faced by the Afghanistan Air Force in countering these violations due to resource limitations.
