Kabul, Afghanistan – Former Afghan Foreign Minister and prominent opposition coalition member Mohammad Hanif Atmar said the United States “will return sooner or later” to seriously address the Afghan issue. He asserted that US policy toward Afghanistan remains characterized by confusion and a lack of long-term vision.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, Atmar explained that Washington erred in basing its current approach on “momentary needs and daily fluctuations.” He pointed out that instead of adopting a stable strategy that addresses the root causes of the Afghan crisis, this pattern of decision-making renders US policy “unpredictable.” It also weakens its influence on events within Afghanistan and the region.
The former minister indicated that the Afghan issue will return to the forefront of international attention, including for the United States, due to the growing threats that could impact regional and global security, particularly with the escalating activity of armed groups and the absence of an inclusive government representing all Afghan factions.
Atmar emphasized that Washington, despite its withdrawal, cannot ignore the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in the country. He explained that international powers will eventually discover that “leaving Afghanistan to its fate” is not a realistic option. Therefore, addressing the crises requires renewed political and diplomatic engagement.
He also stressed the need for Afghan opposition forces to agree on a unified vision. He stated that the “opposition coalition” seeks to form a platform capable of addressing the international community with a single voice. Its aim is to present a clear political alternative.
Atmar concluded by emphasizing that the continued chaos in Afghanistan will not only affect the Afghan people, but also the security of the entire region. Therefore, intervention by the United States and the international community is “only a matter of time.”
