Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan, has reminded Taliban officials about the U.S. decision to cancel the $10 million reward for information on Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the leader of Syria.
On Friday, December 20, Khalilzad wrote on the social media platform X, stating, Others in similar circumstances can learn from Ahmed Shar’a on how to join the mainstream international system.
Implicitly addressing Taliban regime, Khalilzad suggested that if they aim to emerge from international isolation, they should take lessons from the Syrian leader’s actions. He also questioned whether the Taliban are paying attention to the developments in Syria.
“The US bounty on the leader of HTS is being removed. Others in similar circumstances can learn from Ahmad al Shara how to join the mainstream international system. Are the Taliban paying attention?,” he stated.
The United States announced the cancellation of the $10 million reward for information on Ahmed Shar’a (Abu Muhammad al-Jolani) yesterday. This decision coincided with senior U.S. State Department officials visiting Damascus for the first time since the fall of the previous Syrian regime.
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, also referred to the “isolation of the Taliban” last week, urging Syrian leaders to draw lessons from the situation and explore paths toward integration into the international community.
The U.S. decision to lift the reward for Ahmed Shar’a signifies a diplomatic shift, emphasizing dialogue and reintegration over punitive measures. It also reflects the changing dynamics in international diplomacy, particularly in conflict zones.
For the Taliban, Khalilzad’s remarks present a clear message; engagement with the global community requires deliberate efforts to move beyond isolation and adopt a constructive approach to international relations. This could pave the way for a more stable and cooperative future.
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