KABUL: Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, says Washington does not want Afghanistan to be pushed back toward instability and disorder.
Khalilzad said economic growth in Afghanistan and the development of its natural resources by companies from different countries are consistent with U.S. national interests.
He said a lack of U.S. engagement with Afghanistan could create a vacuum for Washington’s rivals, arguing that China is seeking to expand its influence over Afghanistan’s natural resources while Russia is also active in the country.
Khalilzad stressed that U.S. policy toward Afghanistan should be reassessed in light of current and future conditions and Washington should also consider what role Afghanistan could play in the regional and international arena in the future.