RASC News Agency: Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has urged the Taliban to draw lessons from Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), on how to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy. Khalilzad highlighted al-Julani’s commitment to barring terrorist groups from operating in Syria, portraying him as a figure of evolving moderation. Addressing the Taliban, Khalilzad suggested that they could emulate al-Julani’s approach to aligning with the global order. He also referenced the U.S. decision to revoke the $10 million bounty previously offered for al-Julani’s capture, a move seen as recognition of his strategic shift.
“The Taliban have failed to establish constructive relations with the international community or achieve domestic legitimacy,” Khalilzad remarked, describing this as a profound shortcoming of the group. Khalilzad’s comments coincide with a recent announcement by Barbara Leaf, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, who confirmed that Washington had rescinded the bounty on al-Julani. This decision followed a diplomatic engagement with HTS leadership, during which al-Julani reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Syria from becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations.
Previously, the U.S. had offered a $10 million reward for information leading to al-Julani’s capture. Leaf justified the policy shift, emphasizing al-Julani’s efforts to curb terrorist activity and mitigate threats to the U.S. and neighboring states. In a separate statement, al-Julani referred to Afghanistan as a “tribal society” and vowed to ensure Syria does not suffer a similar fate under regressive rule. Khalilzad praised al-Julani’s pragmatism and urged other actors in similar contexts to follow his example in engaging with the global system. “Will the Taliban heed this example?” Khalilzad questioned, suggesting that strategic adaptability could pave the way for the Taliban’s acceptance on the international stage.
Meanwhile, following Sirajuddin Haqqani’s appointment as the Taliban’s Interior Minister, the FBI doubled the bounty on his capture from $5 million to $10 million. A senior U.S. official confirmed in September 2023 that the $10 million reward for Haqqani’s arrest remains active, underscoring Washington’s unwavering resolve to hold the Taliban accountable for their leadership’s actions.
