Brussels (Brussels Morning) EU, NATO and US leaders are taken aback by the Taliban recapture of Afghanistan.
Just two days before the fall of Kabul, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on the Taliban to “immediately resume substantive, regular and structured talks,” which shows he was not aware of the situation in the country, according to DW reporting on Monday.
Last week, Borrell had urged “the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to settle political differences, increase representation of all stakeholders and engage with the Taliban from a united perspective.”
After the Taliban retook Afghanistan, EP President David Sassoli called on the EU to devise a joint response, stressing that “the country needs a lasting and inclusive political solution that protects the rights of women and allows Afghans to live in safety and with dignity.”
While several European NATO member countries called security committee meetings, the NATO headquarters in Brussels remained silent.
German Christian Democratic Union head Armin Laschet, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s likely successor, described recent developments in Afghanistan as “the biggest fiasco since the founding of NATO.”
US blames Afghan government
In his public address, US President Joe Biden pointed out that he was surprised with the Taliban recapture of Afghanistan and expressed belief that the Afghan government is to blame according to RFI reporting on Tuesday.
The US Department of State pointed out that US relations with a Taliban government would depend on their rejection of extremism and respect of human rights. Biden warned that the US will respond to any Taliban threats to its interests with a “devastating” military response.
The UN Security Council on Monday stressed that the international community must prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism.
On the other hand, China, Russia and Iran have made diplomatic overtures towards the Taliban, with Beijing stressing that it is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the jihadist movement.