US President, Vladimir Putin, Maintains U.S.'s Responsibility for the Afghan Crisis
In the aftermath of the 2001 invasion that toppled the Taliban group, the insurgent organisation has rallied and established a presence in Afghanistan. This resurgence has raised concerns for global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin views the US invasion and its aftermath through a strategic lens focused on security and geopolitical influence. He has characterised the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism," suggesting a pragmatic approach to engagement following the US withdrawal. This stance highlights Russia’s interest in countering the influence of extremist groups like ISIS-Khorasan, which pose a direct threat to Russian security.
After decades of conflict—starting from the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the recent US-led intervention—Russia is now engaging diplomatically and economically with the Taliban regime. They see the Taliban as a partner against jihadist threats and a means to increase influence in the region.
Though Putin and Russia have acknowledged the failures of the US strategy, especially evident in the chaotic US withdrawal, the focus is largely on strategic and security consequences rather than the cultural or historical impact on the Afghan people. There are no direct quotes or detailed remarks from Putin explicitly addressing the US invasion’s impact on Afghan culture and history in the available sources.
Meanwhile, in the digital journalism sphere, Sally Shakkour, the English team leader at Al Bawaba, closely monitors the situation. With over 6-year experience in publishing content and digital journalism, Shakkour leads the English news team and has insights into current trends and popular issues. She also manages Al Bawaba's social media accounts, providing updates on the Taliban's offensive to renew their rule over Afghanistan and the ongoing accusations against the US of relocating members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group to Afghanistan.
Recently, the Taliban claimed responsibility for a ghastly attack on a Shia mosque in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz that killed more than 150 people. Observers warn that despite the Taliban’s resurgence, the group has been seeking to quietly expand in Afghanistan.
Putin has also expressed concern that terrorists may try to destabilize the situation in Afghanistan's neighboring states, such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, under the guise of refugees. This concern underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the region to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability.
In conclusion, Putin’s publicly documented views emphasise pragmatic cooperation with the Taliban against terrorism and regional security threats, with little explicit reference to cultural or historical consequences of the US invasion on the Afghan people. Meanwhile, digital journalists like Sally Shakkour continue to provide timely and insightful updates on the situation in Afghanistan.
- Although Putin and Russia have engaged diplomatically and economically with the Taliban regime, their focus remains on strategic and security consequences, particularly countering the influence of extremist groups like ISIS-Khorasan, rather than the cultural or historical impact on the Afghan people.
- The resurgence of the Taliban has been a concerning topic for global leaders, including Putin, who views the US invasion and its aftermath through a strategic lens focused on security and geopolitical influence.
- Soviet invasion in 1979, the recent US-led intervention, and the Taliban's resurgence have exposed Afghanistan to over four decades of war-and-conflicts, posing direct threats to Russian security, which Putin aims to counter through pragmatic engagement with the Taliban.
- Digital journalist Sally Shakkour, the English team leader at Al Bawaba, closely monitors the Taliban's offensive and its claimed attacks on places like a Shia mosque in Kunduz, providing general-news updates and insights into current trends and popular issues in Afghanistan.
