Khalilzad: US Satisfied with Taliban’s Efforts Against ISIS Amid Prisoner Dispute

Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Peace, says Washington is satisfied with the Taliban administration’s efforts to combat ISIS, but progress in relations remains challenged mainly due to the issue of detainees. In an interview with the Indian network NDTV, he explained that the detention of at least two American citizens in Afghanistan is viewed by the United States as the main obstacle to improving ties, and this matter remains unresolved. According to Khalilzad, the Taliban administration has continued fighting ISIS, and the US considers these actions largely effective. He added that as a result of these pressures, some ISIS members have been expelled from Afghanistan and are now in Pakistan. However, Khalilzad emphasized that concerns regarding human rights and the lack of meaningful political roles for Afghans who are not part of the Taliban administration persist. Critics regard these issues as signs of restrictions and a consolidation of power within the current structure.