RASC News Agency: David Pitts, former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), has urged the Trump administration to actively support the establishment of a legitimate political opposition to the Taliban as a means of addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis. In a recent policy paper, Pitts argues that fostering such an opposition could provide a cohesive and authoritative voice to advocate for Afghanistan’s national interests before both the United States and the broader international community. In an article published by Cipher Brief, Pitts underscores that Washington must welcome and actively encourage the rise of a structured political opposition to the Taliban.
As a former senior intelligence official overseeing South and Central Asia, he asserts that a well-organized Afghanistani opposition must be an integral participant in all international negotiations concerning Afghanistan’s future, particularly those focused on transitioning toward an inclusive government that genuinely represents the diverse fabric of Afghanistani society. Pitts further warns that the Taliban fear Afghanistani unity, especially the prospect of an internationally recognized, competent, and experienced opposition capable of articulating and defending the collective interests of Afghanistan’s people. He stresses that U.S. policy decisions will play a decisive role in shaping Afghanistan’s trajectory, impacting not only the millions of Afghanistanis still residing in the country but also hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghanistanis worldwide, whose futures remain uncertain.
While acknowledging that Afghanistan’s current state is far from the intended outcome of America’s two-decade-long engagement, Pitts highlights that many Afghanistanis continue to aspire to a more stable and democratic future. The policy note further emphasizes that Washington’s choices will have profound consequences for Afghanistan’s domestic stability, regional security dynamics, the persistent threat of terrorism, ongoing humanitarian crises, and the fundamental human rights of Afghanistanis particularly women and girls. Pitts cautions that a diminished U.S. role in Afghanistan could create a power vacuum, emboldening geopolitical adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran to expand their influence. He argues that America’s approach to Afghanistan represents a critical test of its credibility as a dependable geopolitical ally, not only in South Asia but also on the global stage.
Contrasting two starkly different futures one where Afghanistan descends further into chaos, becoming a safe haven for terrorists and a catalyst for regional instability, and another where Afghanistan remains engaged with the international community Pitts warns that a disengaged U.S. posture will serve as a lasting symbol of Washington’s abandonment of the country. In his concluding remarks, Pitts urges the U.S. government to issue an unequivocal public declaration affirming that Afghanistan remains a strategic priority. He argues that such a move would signal that the plight of Afghanistanis remains a matter of international importance despite America’s military withdrawal.
The policy note firmly asserts that the United States must not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government nor extend any form of financial assistance to the regime. While acknowledging the necessity of pragmatic engagement with the Taliban on issues such as counterterrorism, the oversight of humanitarian aid, and the protection of U.S. nationals, Pitts warns that such dialogues must not translate into diplomatic legitimization or political concessions for the group.
