Former Khost Governor Criticizes Taliban’s Secretive Relations with the US
Mohammad Haleem Fadaei, the former governor of Khost during the Afghan Republic era, sharply criticized the Taliban administration’s approach to relations with the United States, distinguishing it completely from the transparency of the previous government’s ties.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, Fadaei wrote that during the Republic period, cooperation was open and official, such as granting military bases to American forces. However, he pointed out that currently, instead of general military cooperation, the Taliban provide the US with intelligence stations, the nature of which remains confidential.
The former governor added that in the previous era, the US collaborated with the Kabul government in counterterrorism efforts. By contrast, he claimed that the Taliban serve American interests rather than combating terrorism.
Furthermore, Fadaei highlighted a serious difference in US financial aid to Afghanistan, noting that during the Republic regime, the US provided official financial assistance to Kabul. He stated that now, Taliban leaders seek funds unofficially, often through trips to Doha.
He also pointed to the lack of clear strategic agreements between the Taliban and the US, emphasizing that while the previous government signed formal contracts with Washington, current relations are conducted through secret intelligence deals.
The former Khost governor noted that budget transparency existed under the previous government, which was accountable to the people, whereas the Taliban’s budget remains vague and concealed.
Fadaei further remarked on the stark contrast between the Republic government’s official interactions with the international community and the Taliban’s covert dealings with other countries. He stressed that this situation raises concerns about transparency and accountability of the current regime to the Afghan public.
These statements come amid ongoing challenges in political developments in Afghanistan, as the Taliban administration and the US still lack any formal diplomatic ties.
