Protecting US Interests in Afghanistan

Abstract

It is unrealistic to expect the Taliban regime to provide Afghanistan with a representative government that respects human rights in line with American preferences, or to constitute a strong security partner for the United States. But Washington still has choices about the relationship it can have with Kabul. The US government should move beyond its post-withdrawal hybrid policy of isolation and limited engagement – essentially, no relationship beyond occasional ad hoc problem-solving – to one that is better able to protect US interests in the region. These include preventing Afghanistan from becoming a base for transnational terrorist groups, securing the departure of Afghans at risk due to their association with the US occupation, and tamping down anti-Western sentiment. A bilateral relationship that establishes routine US diplomatic engagement, a development-assistance programme and tailored sanctions is required.