Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that the United States engages with the Taliban based on its national interests.
Miller noted that if U.S. interests require it, Washington is prepared to engage with terrorist organizations, including the Taliban and Syrian rebels.
Miller made these comments on Tuesday, December 17, during a press conference. He clarified that Washington is willing to engage with specific terrorist groups, including the Taliban, when it aligns with U.S. national interests. He stressed this as a practical approach in certain situations.
He stated: “Yes, we have the capability to do this. I’m not aware of any interaction with al-Qaeda, but we are capable of engaging with specific terrorist groups when it serves our interests. This includes interactions with the Taliban to advance U.S. national security and with Tahrir al-Sham to secure our interests.”
Meanwhile, the State Department spokesperson also mentioned that the U.S. is ready to engage with Syrian rebels when necessary.
While the U.S. has repeatedly clarified its engagement with the Taliban, it has also emphasized that it does not recognize the group as a legitimate government.
Washington has consistently urged the Taliban to implement the Doha Agreement and respect human rights. Over the past three years, the Taliban have committed widespread human rights violations, particularly against women, while ignoring calls to form an inclusive government.
Many human rights activists and Afghan politicians consider engagement with a group that systematically violates the rights of citizens, especially women, to be unacceptable.
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