Taliban's Deception and USA's Amateurishness

Once again, the United States is playing with danger, jeopardizing not only Afghanistan's security but also global safety. Public media reported on March 22, 2025, that the U.S. has removed bounties on three high-ranking Taliban leaders, including the Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who also leads a significant network responsible for violent assaults against Afghanistan's previous Western-backed government.

Reports indicate that terrorist leader Sirajuddin Haqqani has been removed from the U.S. terrorist list.

This information was initially disclosed by Taliban officials in Kabul, while the U.S. government remained silent on the matter. Taliban's interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani said the U.S. government had revoked the bounties placed on Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is currently Afghanistan's interior minister, Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani. "These three individuals are two brothers and one paternal cousin," Qani told the Associated Press.

We shall deal mainly with two points in this article:

1. Taliban's Deception: This refers to the various strategies or tactics used by the Taliban and its allies that are seen as misleading or manipulative. This involves propaganda, misinformation, or strategic actions designed to give the impression of strength or legitimacy that may not reflect the reality of their situation.
2. USA's Amateurishness: The second part of the title concentrates on the U.S. strategies towards extremist groups like Taliban. Those strategies were poorly conceived, ineffectively executed, or not based on a deep understanding of the context, culture, or dynamics at play in Afghanistan. Thus, so far, the United States has approached its dealings with the Taliban in a way that is inexperienced or lacking in sophistication according to many experts.

Will terrorists stop being terrorists just because the USA removes the bounties on their heads?

The actions taken by the Trump administration appear to be a response to the release of American hostage George Glezmann by the Taliban on March 20, 2025, facilitated by their key ally, Qatar.

It seems that the U.S. is engaging in one of its numerous geopolitical strategies by delisting members of the Taliban from the terrorist list. Some U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan and are dissatisfied with the Biden administration had placed their hopes in Trump, but those hopes may be dashed again as his administration ramps up support rather than exhibiting the hostility he and many of his advisors promised during their campaigns. Prominent figures warning about the dangers of Taliban terrorism included Michael Waltz, the national security advisor under Trump.

However, once they assumed their positions, they remained silent about the U.S. not only maintaining its support for the Taliban but also enhancing its collaboration with the terrorist organization.

Mike Waltz's U-Turn on anti-Taliban Afghans

Mike (short for Michael) Waltz even had a political conversation with other veterans and Afghan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud. The video of that conversation titled "Did we learn ANYTHING? First broadcast of Afghan resistance leader with US elected official..." was even published on YouTube on 29 December 2022.

Afghan resistance leader served as the title picture of the YouTube video

Screenshot of Mike Waltz talking in the discourse on Taliban

In that conversation several key themes and insights regarding the situation in Afghanistan, the resistance against the Taliban, and the importance of continued support from the international community were outlined. Here are the main takeaways:

1. Historical Context: The discussion opens with a reflection on the events of September 11, 2001, and the warning from Ahmad Shah Masood, a key resistance leader against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, about the threats posed by these groups. His assassination just days before the 9/11 attacks highlights a failure to heed warnings that could have prevented the ensuing chaos.
2. Current Situation in Afghanistan: The podcast paints a grim picture of Afghanistan under Taliban rule, describing it as a "total prison" for its citizens. There are reports of widespread oppression, particularly toward women, with the Taliban imposing harsh restrictions and enabling other terrorist groups to flourish.
3. Formation of the National Resistance Front (NRF): The NRF emerged following the Taliban's takeover as a coalition to fight for the rights and freedoms of the Afghan people. Commander Ahmed Masood emphasizes that the NRF is a diverse group, united against the Taliban, and aiming to regain democracy, freedom, and human rights in Afghanistan.
4. Need for International Support: Both the Commander and Congressman Mike Waltz stress the importance of continued support from the United States and the international community for the NRF. They argue that political pressure on the Taliban, not military action, is needed to empower the Afghan resistance and to avoid future threats of terrorism that could extend to the West.
5. Veterans' Involvement: The discussion highlights the role of U.S. veterans in advocating for the NRF and supporting Afghan allies. Organizations such as Vets for NRF are aiming to mobilize veterans to push for U.S. support and policy changes that would benefit the resistance in Afghanistan.
6. Consequences of Inaction: The podcast warns that neglecting the situation in Afghanistan could lead to dire consequences, including the re-emergence of terrorism capable of striking the West. The leaders express concern about the potential for history to repeat itself if lessons from the past are ignored.
7. Moral Responsibility: Throughout the conversation, there is a strong emphasis on moral duty—both for the U.S. in addressing its past engagement in Afghanistan and for the Afghan people who, despite tremendous risk, are fighting for their rights and freedoms.
8. Call for Awareness and Action: The speakers urge listeners to stay informed and active regarding Afghanistan's situation. They advocate for a rallying of voices and actions in support of the NRF and against the Taliban's oppressive regime.

This dialogue sought to motivate listeners to engage with the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and recognize the significant implications it has for global security and human rights.

Congressman Mike Waltz expressed several key points and desires throughout the discourse, including:

1. Emphasis on the Threat: Waltz stressed the ongoing danger posed by terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, particularly the alliance between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. He highlighted that ignoring this threat could lead to another attack on the United States, similar to 9/11.
2. Support for the National Resistance Front (NRF): He strongly advocated for supporting the NRF and its efforts to resist the Taliban. Waltz believes that this group embodies the values of freedom and democracy that the U.S. holds dear. He sees their fight as critical not only for Afghanistan but for global security.
3. Critique of Current U.S. Policy: Waltz criticized the Biden Administration's approach toward Taliban and Al-Qaeda. He argued that the U.S. has made a deal with the Taliban that risks further compromising security. He emphasized that the Taliban had not changed and accused them of continuing their oppressive ways, particularly regarding women's rights and human rights in general.
4. Call for Accountability: He indicated the need for accountability concerning the withdrawal from Afghanistan, including lessons learned from past military engagements. He asserted that this policy should not come at the expense of American national security.
5. Grassroots Engagement: Waltz mentioned the importance of veterans and citizens rallying together to support the plight of the Afghan people and their fight for freedom. He expressed the need for information and action to prevent the resurgence of terrorism.
6. Personal Determination: Waltz underscored his commitment to keeping the American public aware of the situation in Afghanistan and to pushing for support for the NRF. He recognized the profound sacrifices made by veterans and the moral imperative to continue the fight against tyranny and extremism.

Overall, Mike Waltz aimed to raise awareness about the seriousness of the situation in Afghanistan and advocate for direct support for the NRF. He called for a unified response to ensure that the sacrifices of U.S. veterans were honored and not forgotten.

Politicians such as Mike Waltz, who do not adhere to the principles they once professed, lose their effectiveness and may either become powerless or abandon their stated beliefs. Rather than supporting Afghan resistance fighters, Waltz has even participated in Pakistan's underhanded tactics against Afghanistan.

Amu TV and the US government's lack of response

Before delving into the article about Amu TV, it's important to provide some background on the channel. Amu TV is a satellite television network operated by Eye Media Group, which launched on May 3, 2023. Located in Virginia, USA, it broadcasts in both Persian and Pashto. Amu TV aims to counter the oppressive media environment imposed by the Taliban, advocating for press freedom and the rights of women and journalists. The Atlantic, a Washington, D.C.-based magazine, has dedicated an entire article profiling Amu TV and analyzing its significance.

In its coverage, The Atlantic refers to Amu TV as "one of the most effective chroniclers of life under Taliban rule," highlighting its unique hybrid approach.

The article "Inside the Virginia Newsroom Trying to Save Afghanistan From Tyranny" outlines the efforts of Amu TV, staffed by exiled Afghan journalists, to hold the Taliban accountable for their actions in Afghanistan, even from 7,000 miles away. Following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, the Afghan media landscape deteriorated significantly, with journalists facing threats, imprisonment, and violence. The article focuses on the experiences of Sahar Aram, an undercover journalist reporting on Taliban abuses, and other journalists who have fled the country due to the regime's harsh crackdown on the media. Despite its operations being based abroad, Amu TV has emerged as a critical source of information for Afghans, with its investigative reporting attracting the ire of the Taliban. The piece underscores the perils of journalism under tyrannical rule and the resilience of those dedicated to revealing the truth.

Key Quotes from the Article:

"Afghanistan’s news media had been one of the great successes of the country’s American-led, post-9/11 era." (on the state of journalism before the Taliban takeover in mid-August 2021)

"The Taliban threatened, beat, or imprisoned dozens of journalists. TV stations, radio channels, and publications across the country shut down under immense financial and political pressure." (describing the Taliban’s crackdown on media)

“The situation is dire,” Beh Lih Yi from the Committee to Protect Journalists noted. “It shows how determined [the Taliban is] to crack down on the free flow of information.” (evidence of the Taliban’s intimidation tactics)

“Some days we are refugees first, then journalists.” (Sami Mahdi, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Amu TV, on the dual identity of being journalists and refugees)

“Physically I am somewhere in the suburbs of America. But my heart and mind cannot escape Afghanistan.” (journalist Nazia Hashimyar on her feelings of displacement)

“Becoming a refugee again was always my greatest fear,” Mahdi expressed, reflecting on his past experiences with the Taliban's initial rule. (reflections on the fear of becoming a refugee again)

“The responsibility is crippling. The reporters who remain, who cannot be seen, are the true heroes.” (concerns about the future of journalism in Afghanistan expressed by journalist Hasiba Atakpal)

These quotes capture the essence of the article, emphasizing the courage and determination of journalists facing extreme adversity in their pursuit of truth and justice.

In a separate matter, it was none other than Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who revealed that Mike Waltz had invited him to a group chat on Signal last month. This chat discussed an attack on the Houthis in Yemen, during which Hegseth shared operational details of strikes just two hours before they were carried out.

Screenshot of the front page of the main article on The Atlantic

concerning the chat leak of the Trump administration - 24 March 2025

The meeting included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other top national security and White House officials .

Returning to the main topic, an article on the website of Amu TV from 23 March 2025 discusses the recent removal of Sirajuddin Haqqani's $10 million reward from the U.S. State Department's Rewards for Justice website, along with two of his associates, leading to uncertainty about whether this indicates a change in U.S. policy towards the Taliban and the Haqqani network, which is designated as a terrorist organization.

Despite the removal from the State Department’s list, Haqqani’s name remains on the FBI's Most Wanted list, creating confusion:

Screenshot from FBI's website on Haqqani - retrieved on 25 March 2025

The FBI gives details on him: "Sirajuddin Haqqani is wanted for questioning in connection with the January 2008 attack on a hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed six people, including an American citizen. He is believed to have coordinated and participated in cross-border attacks against United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan. Haqqani also allegedly was involved in the planning of the assassination attempt on Afghan President Hamid Karzai in 2008."

Amu TV writes in its report: "The U.S. State Department has not responded to questions about the reported removal of a $10 million reward for Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting interior minister and a senior leader of the Haqqani network — a group long designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization."

The U.S. State Department, officially known as the Department of State, is the federal executive department responsible for the country's foreign affairs and international relations. Established in 1789, it plays a crucial role in diplomatic communication, representing the United States to other countries, and managing foreign policy. Key responsibilities of the State Department include:

1. Diplomatic Relations: Managing relations with foreign governments and international organizations, and negotiating treaties and agreements.
2. Consular Services: Providing assistance to U.S. citizens abroad, including issuing passports and visas, and offering support during emergencies.
3. Foreign Aid: Overseeing U.S. foreign assistance programs, including economic and military aid to other countries.
4. International Security: Formulating policies related to national security and collaborating with defense agencies on security matters.
5. Promoting Democracy and Human Rights: Advocating for democratic governance and human rights around the world.
6. Managing International Economics: Engaging in trade negotiations and managing policies that affect U.S. economic interests globally.

The Secretary of State is the head of the department and is a key member of the President's Cabinet. The State Department is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The timing of these developments following a visit to Kabul by former U.S. officials raises speculation about renewed informal contacts between the U.S. and the Taliban.

Former U.S. intelligence officials, like Sarah Adams, criticize this potential delisting as counterproductive and a dangerous precedent, as Haqqani has been implicated in numerous attacks against U.S. forces and has connections to past terrorist events. The Haqqani network has a long history of violence since its founding, including being responsible for high-profile terrorist acts. The lack of official clarification on these delistings has raised concerns among former officials and human rights advocates, fearing it could signal a move towards normalization with the Taliban without accountability for their actions.

Taliban's Deception

Presenting the Taliban in a favorable light won't contribute to the real issues at hand. The Taliban and its allies are well-known for their deceit and dishonesty; once they achieve their objectives, they abandon their commitments. They have misled not only the USA and the Afghan people but also the international community on numerous occasions.

This has been demonstrated in the past:

• The Taliban did not establish an inclusive government,
• They did not uphold women's rights or the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan,
• They have persecuted and even killed former Afghan government employees since seizing power in mid-August 2021.

In an interview published in the German magazine Focus on September 16, 2024, the German-Pakistani journalist Shams Ul Haq spoke with Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shahin.

During the interview, the journalist posed a particularly questionable question—seemingly sympathetic to the Taliban—asking, "Do young women have access to colleges and universities?" Shahin responded, "Yes. They can obtain advanced degrees at medical institutes and teacher training colleges, for example."

(German original: "Haben junge Frauen Zugang zu Hochschulen und Universitäten?" Shahin: "Ja. Sie können zum Beispiel in medizinischen Instituten und Lehrerbildungsinstituten einen hohen Bildungsabschluss erlangen.")

This assertion from the Taliban spokesman is undoubtedly false, yet the journalist did not seek further clarification. Instead, the interview concluded abruptly with Shahin's untruth.

Human rights organizations have consistently reported severe oppression and abuse of Afghan women by the Taliban. When women have protested for their fundamental rights, the Taliban responded violently to their demands for "bread, work, freedom" (in Dari: "nan, kar, azadi"); they faced beatings, arrests, and sexual assaults in prisons, with their family members subjected to torture in front of them to break their spirits. As a result, the Taliban successfully silenced these women and erased them from public view.

The dire plight of women in Afghanistan is best illustrated by photographs taken in the streets since mid-August 2021, such as the two images below:

Members of Taliban's special units don't show their faces, like because they are foreign terrorists

Taliban force Afghan women to wear the Burqa, which even covers the eyes and mouth of Afghan women with a blue thick cloth.

Afghan women standing in a queue while being observed by a Taliban member with a rod - March 2025

However, that wasn’t the only promise the Taliban failed to keep. Before seizing power, they pledged not to persecute Afghans who had worked for the previous government. In this instance, it was also Suhail Shaheen who assured a general amnesty for all former Afghan security personnel on behalf of the Taliban.

Yet, the Taliban quickly went back on that promise, secretly executing hundreds, if not thousands, of former members of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Is the USA genuinely placing its trust in the Taliban, or is it merely engaging in geopolitical maneuvering in Afghanistan?

Conclusion

The United States has once again transformed Afghanistan into a battleground for competing global powers. The bounties offered for killing terrorists are largely ineffective, as few Afghans will risk their lives for such rewards, regardless of the amount. Many Afghans and non-Afghans are left questioning the true intentions of the Trump administration. Although they have remained silent due to their lack of power and allies, Afghans are acutely aware of their situation. They do not possess influential lobbyists in the West, unlike the Taliban, which has established connections. It appears to many that certain individuals within the Trump administration have lost their judgment once again. Historically, figures like late Afghan anti-Taliban resistance leader Ahmad Shah Massoud (1 September 1953 - 9 September 2001) have warned against foreign conspiracies, stating: "The international conspiracies increased and more than the international conspiracies our own desires became dangerous".

It is vital to critically evaluate the actions and policies of any group, particularly the Taliban, which is recognized as a extremist organization aligned with other international terrorist groups like al-Qaeda. While some may advocate for a more nuanced perspective on the Taliban's governance, it is important to acknowledge their history of broken promises and failure in diplomacy.

The Taliban's rule has frequently been defined by strict interpretations of Islamic law, resulting in significant human rights violations, especially against women and minorities. Their past interactions with international organizations and commitments have often lacked transparency and have demonstrated a consistent failure to uphold agreements once they regained power.

The complexities surrounding Afghanistan involve not only the Taliban but also the effects of international intervention, the lived experiences of the Afghan people, and the socio-political context of the region. A comprehensive discussion must acknowledge these factors while also holding the Taliban accountable for their actions and promises. It is essential to highlight the challenges posed by the Taliban in order to address broader issues of stability, governance, and human rights in Afghanistan.

While Afghans may maintain a calm demeanor, they will not forget that their country is once again a pawn in geopolitical games. This reality was cemented by the Doha Agreement, which brought the Taliban into diplomatic discussions and ultimately allowed them to regain control over Afghanistan after subjecting its people to widespread terror.

Any action taken by the USA has repercussions for Afghanistan, the USA, and beyond. These consequences are not easily reversible.