A former U.S. diplomat has argued that maintaining stability in Afghanistan serves American strategic interests. Zalmay Khalilzad, who served as ambassador to the country in the years immediately following the September 11 attacks, emphasized that Washington has significant reasons to ensure Afghanistan does not become a base for groups hostile to the United States.
According to Khalilzad, preventing such a scenario remains a principal concern for U.S. foreign policy in the region. His assessment reflects broader anxieties about potential threats that could emerge if the country experiences prolonged instability or state collapse.
Beyond addressing immediate security threats, Khalilzad suggested that U.S. strategy should also focus on limiting the influence of competing powers in Afghanistan. He highlighted the need to counter the growing engagement of China and Russia in the region, framing their involvement as part of a larger geopolitical competition that affects American interests.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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