Former Taliban Official Says Reliance on Foreigners Has Destabilized Afghanistan
Salahuddin Salar, former deputy of intelligence at the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, referring to Afghanistan’s historical experiences of occupation and foreign power interventions, stated that reliance on foreigners has never brought independence, stability, or sustainable prosperity to the country.
He emphasized that foreign powers have always prioritized their own interests over those of the Afghan people in their interactions with Afghanistan. According to Salar, whenever the fate of the country has been tied to external decisions, the outcome has been dependency, increased internal divisions, and the weakening of national sovereignty.
The former Taliban official further stressed the necessity of establishing a strong and inclusive government; one that, in his view, must represent all ethnic groups, factions, and citizens of Afghanistan, ensuring that no social segment is excluded from the power structure.
However, these remarks come amid repeated criticisms from opponents of the Taliban administration, who accuse the regime of monopolizing power, political exclusion, and disregard for public will. Critics argue that until genuine public participation, political inclusivity, and accountability are effectively ensured, calls for independence and legitimacy remain nothing more than slogans.
