The Trump administration’s renewed approach to the conflict in Afghanistan is producing results, albeit slowly, believes the chief executive officer of National Unity Government.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Dr. Abdullah said the situation in Afghanistan would deteriorate in the absence of a strong commitment from the United States.
“Imagine a situation without that commitment. Things would be very different. It is working,” he said. “They announced a strategy and mobilized other countries and partners.
“They doubled the size of Afghan commandos; they’ve supported our air force — which is important in the way of Medevacs transporting the injured. These things are going to take time, but it is working.”
Abdullah hoped Washington’s conditions-based strategy would yield results over the longer haul. However, he said, it was too hard to give an estimated timeframe for how long US troops would be needed on the ground. “It won’t be a 50-year engagement.”
The CEO praised efforts to reform the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan’s spy service, in terms of chasing ISIS Daesh leaders in Kabul. “They are making a lot of arrests. But out of 10, if one succeeds, then that is what makes news.”
The Taliban continue to receive support from outside of the country, as Afghans were averse to them, Abdullah alleged, suggesting that Pakistan was still aiding the militants.
“The Taliban are operating there and using Pakistan soil as a sanctuary. Their leadership is there; their shuras are there. Their foot soldiers cross back and forth, receiving treatment (in Pakistan),” the CEO said.
