In a new interview, Afghan Army Chief Yasin Zia reported that he doubts the Taliban really wants peace, saying they “just want to deceive the people.” He also dismissed reports of ISIS attacks, saying all attacks are the Taliban’s fault.
Gen. Zia also talked up the US airstrikes supporting Afghan ground troops, saying they are providing support on request, but only based on need, while considering US commitments for peace with the Taliban.
That’s a tough effort. The US was meant under the deal to stop attacking the Taliban, and the Taliban has complained that the US isn’t always keeping that up. At the same time, the Afghan government isn’t heavily committed to peace, and are trying to sell the US on constant needs.
The Taliban has been pushing for the US to finish the pullout. It is unclear where President-elect Biden stands on this, or if Trump’s promise to have troops home by Christmas is even being considered any longer.
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