Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 3 - Taliban's public enemy number one Commander Khalid Amiri

March 02, 2025

Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 3 - Taliban's public enemy number one Commander Khalid Amiri - Part 2

In an interview with Iraqi-American journalist Faisal Saeed Al Mutaar published in The International Correspondent on 1 December 2022, Khalid Amiri, an anti-Taliban commander from Afghanistan, shares his perspectives on the Taliban's takeover and the future of his country. This interview deals with the fall of Kabul on 15 August 2021, which resulted in the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban on 31 August 2021. Reflecting on the Taliban's resurgence, Khalid Amiri expresses deep disillusionment, recounting his experiences of fighting for two decades in support of human rights and democratic values, which he believes have been obliterated following the regime change. Khalid Amiri reflects on the feelings of betrayal and loss when the Taliban took control, highlighting the sacrifices made over the past 20 years for human rights and democracy in Afghanistan. He believes that the collapse was both the result of the hasty and chaotic U.S. withdrawal and the deep-rooted corruption within the Afghan government.

Commander Khalid Amiri in Helmand Province surrounded by children - before Taliban takeover

Amiri argues that the approach to nation-building post-2001 was flawed, suggesting that a federalist system would have better suited Afghanistan's multi-ethnic society, rather than concentrating power in a single leader. He underscores the need for both military resistance against the Taliban and the restoration of human rights, particularly for marginalized ethnic groups.

Despite recognizing the importance of external support for a successful resistance, Khalid Amiri is determined to continue fighting the Taliban, whom he describes as a terrorist group that threatens not only Afghanistan but global security, especially given the resurgence of terrorist activity. He asserts that the Taliban lacks majority support and believes that with time and collaboration among various resistance groups, they can be defeated.

Amiri emphasizes the role of civil society and international actors in exposing Taliban atrocities and mobilizing both domestic and global opposition against the regime. He expresses particular concern for women's rights in Afghanistan, lamenting the Taliban's draconian policies that restrict freedoms.

Describing himself as a moderate Muslim, Khalid Amiri emphasizes concern for women's rights and the potential for future generations to be radicalized by the Taliban's oppressive regime. While he remains hopeful for a future where the resistance prevails, he acknowledges the grim reality in Afghanistan and the need for international solidarity against the Taliban. He remains committed to the fight against the Taliban, leaving open the possibility of leaving if circumstances worsen, though his immediate focus is on resistance. His commitment to the fight is fueled by the support he receives from fellow Afghans. Amiri warns that Afghanistan could become a breeding ground for terrorism, threatening global security.

Khalid Amiri (in centre) and NRF fighters in the Hindukush mountains

Key Themes

-Feelings of Betrayal: Amiri discusses the sense of betrayal felt by those who fought alongside the U.S. against terrorism when the Taliban took over, highlighting a lack of communication regarding the withdrawal of international forces.

-Corruption and Leadership: He points to systemic corruption and poor governance as central issues that hastened the downfall of the Afghan government, beyond the U.S. decision to withdraw in a chaotic manner while .

-Governance Model: Amiri advocates for a federalist system to better accommodate Afghanistan's multi-ethnic society, arguing that the concentration of power in the presidential office was problematic.

-Resistance Against the Taliban: He emphasizes the need for a military response against the Taliban, citing both their oppressive regime and the existential threat they pose to Afghanistan and the world.

-Hope and Future: Despite the grim situation, Amiri maintains hope that the Taliban can be defeated, asserting their lack of broad support among the Afghan population.

-International Support: Khalid Amiri stresses the importance of external support in resisting the Taliban, criticizing ongoing international payments to the regime and calling for the recognition of the NRF as a legitimate alternative.

-Women’s Rights: He expresses concern for the rights of women in Afghanistan, reiterating the need for their access to education and participation in society.

-Personal Resolve: Amiri draws strength from the support of the Afghan people and fellow resistance fighters, stating that this communal backing is what sustains him amidst adversity.

Key Quotes of Khalid Amiri in the interview

Here are additional important quotes from Khalid Amiri in the interview:

-On achievements lost to the Taliban's takeover:

We saw achievements such as human rights, equal rights for all, rights to education, the right to free elections, modernity, and equal rights for men and women. Not to mention the sacrifice and loss of life of our friends and family members and suddenly all of this disappears out of the blue.

I fought for 20 years alongside the international community fighting against a terror group (...) suddenly all of this disappears out of the blue.

-On systemic corruption prior to the Taliban regime:

There was corruption to its maximum level. A lack of leadership. There was no tolerance and unity towards each other inside Afghanistan.

The corruption inside the country was also a major player here.

-On ethnic dynamics in governance:

One ethnicity or ethnic group can never rule this country. Afghanistan is a major country with many ethnicities. There are no majorities here.

The Taliban believes that Afghan citizens are their property.

The more time we waste, the damage will become more significant.

-On the fight against the Taliban:

Afghanistan is run by a terrorist group. My right to live in my own house was taken from me. My right to participate in government was taken from me.

The idea that the Taliban has somehow changed is incorrect (...) These images need to be broadcasted and shown to the world.

What happened during the peace talks cannot change the nature of terrorism. Currently, the Afghan people are being held hostage by a terrorist group.

-On the necessity of external support:

Without outside help (…) a fight cannot be won without financial and logistic support (...) we cannot allow the enemy to do what they want with impunity while we sit back and watch.

We are worried that as long as this de facto regime lasts, that an entire future generation in Afghanistan will become terrorists.

-On the world's perception of the Taliban:

What keeps me awake at night is our poor people, people who are defenseless against a group of violent extremist terrorists.

The idea that the Taliban has somehow changed is incorrect (...) These images need to be broadcasted and shown to the world.

It’s important for all countries to put pressure on the Taliban. They are against democracy. They are against any change.

-On his beliefs and hopes for victory:

What gives me hope is that we will fight and win against the Taliban. They are a very small extremist ethnic group which doesn’t have the majority support from the people of Afghanistan.

What keeps me going and what brings me joy is the support we get from our people (...) that is the only thing that makes me happy during these times.

We are worried that as long as this de facto regime lasts, that an entire future generation in Afghanistan will become terrorists.

Only time will tell.

These quotes shall illustrate Khalid Amiri’s perspective on the conflict, his hopes for the future, and his views on the necessity of international support in the fight against the Taliban.

Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 1 - General Sami Sadat

Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 2 - Taliban's public enemy number one Commander Khalid Amiri - Part 1

Last days of Afghanistan in 2021 Pt. 1 - General Sami Sadat

Anti-Taliban Opposition in Vienna

Ahmad Shah Massoud's views - part 2 - historic speech against Taliban in mosque

Chronology of the beginning of Taliban's decline in 2025 - Pt. 1

Chronology of the beginning of Taliban's decline in 2025 - Pt. 2

Taliban is under pressure - what will they do next?

How To Support The Anti-Taliban Opposition In Afghanistan

Pashtun Taliban Commander: "Shoot NRF prisoners." (Sept. 2022)

Taliban and terrorist groups

Taliban massacre Tajik Afghans