The Taliban Threat To The Afghan Government

ABDULLAH ABDULLAH, CHAIRMAN, AFGHAN HIGH COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION: The main reason for this visit is that, while one chapter is closing, which is the presence of the U.S. troops and NATO troops in Afghanistan, how to shape the new chapter of cooperation, which the administration has expressed its readiness to continue its support for the people of Afghanistan, for ANDSF, and the rest of it. Personally, how I would have preferred it, that is a different issue. Now there is a decision. And we have to work together to avoid instability for the bloodshed. And we need to — my job as the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, to do everything possible, diplomatically, politically, in the region with our friends to avoid further instability and bloodshed in our country.

BIANNA GOLODRYGA: As you mentioned, you and President Ghani are in Washington, D.C., for two days of talks. You met with a bipartisan group of senators yesterday about the continued support that the U.S. will provide for Afghanistan. And you tweeted: “We addressed stability, peace prospects and future bilateral priorities and key appropriations. Bipartisan support is strong.” What is your most pressing ask of the U.S. government right now? You know our politics. You know it is very rare now to see any bipartisan formation within Congress, and yet you have bipartisan support. What is your biggest ask to Congress?

ABDULLAH: We had extensive discussions, both with Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Senator Menendez, Senator Risch, and a group of — bipartisan group of ranking members of the Senate. They all expressed their support and continued commitment for the people of Afghanistan, for two reasons, mainly for the stability there, but also to prevent further threats from terrorist groups like al Qaeda