US Officials Left NATO Envoy Meeting Over Afghan Advisor’s Presence

NATO’s ambassadorial meeting at the Afghan Presidential Palace saw an abrupt departure of US officials in attendance. The issue was Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, who was also present.

Mohib has fallen out of favor with the US after he accused chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad of plotting to become the “viceroy” of Afghanistan. Last week, the US announced they would no longer deal with him under any circumstances.

Underscoring that this is definitely still the case, Mohib’s arrival at the NATO meeting meant the US delegation immediately left and did not return. This led to criticism, and accusations that the US is trying to keep Afghan officials out of the loop on their future.

Analysts suggested that the problem is deeper than just Mohib’s comments, and that the Ghani government wants him to remain engaged in the Afghan War, and the potential peace deal. The US clearly doesn’t want him involved, but this may be because they don’t want anyone involved, not just Mohib in particular.