Khalilzad on ISKP, TTP, and Pakistan
Zalmay Khalilzad’s Tolo News interview exposes ambiguities in US policy toward Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. His remarks on ISKP, the TTP, and Pakistan reflect an effort to normalize the Taliban while shifting responsibility for regional instability, drawing false equivalences between alleged ISKP cells in Pakistan and the openly operating TTP in Afghanistan.
Broken Promises, Renewed Threats: Time to Hold TTA Accountable
Five years after the Doha Accord, the Taliban have broken key commitments: 5,000 released prisoners returned to combat, 89% of government posts are held by Pashtuns, and women remain barred from education and work. Afghan soil hosts 6,000–6,500 TTP and Al-Qaeda fighters, with TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud receiving $43,000/month. Pakistan has neutralized 267 Afghan terrorists in 2025, while 58 terrorist camps operate under Taliban knowledge. Despite the US aid, compliance is minimal. International recognition and support must now be tied to verifiable reforms to prevent further regional instability.