Taliban insurgents tightened their grip on Afghanistan today (Friday) as they took control of the country's second and third largest cities.
The occupation of the cities of Kandahar in the south and Harat in the west, after days of clashes, is a devastating retreat for the government as the Taliban’s progress becomes increasingly threatening and tighter.
The rebels have taken control of half of the country's 34 provincial capitals in recent days, and the Taliban now control more than two-thirds of the country, just weeks before the United States plans to return its last forces.
Smoke fights Afghan army and Taliban insurgents // Photo: EP,
The last significant blow was the loss of Helmand County capital, where American, British and Allied NATO forces have fought in some of the bloodiest battles in the last 20 years. Hundreds of foreign soldiers have been killed in the province.
Although the Kabul break is not yet under real threat, the Taliban's losses and progress elsewhere are further tightening their grip and increasing concern.
The latest assessment by US military intelligence indicates that the capital could come under rebel pressure within 30 days and if current trends continue, the Taliban will be able to gain full control of the entire country within a few months.
Afghan army soldiers // Photo: EP,
Senior Afghan official: "Iran suspects and knows about their relationship with the Taliban"
"Iran is playing a suspicious role in Afghanistan," the senior Kabul official said. Beyond that, Iran's support for terrorist organizations that are not part of the Shiite axis was revealed to all when Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif hosted senior Taliban in Tehran, and even earlier - when al-Qaeda's No. 2, Abdullah Ahmad Abdullah, was assassinated in the heart of the Iranian capital. In an action attributed to Israel.
Meanwhile, the Taliban are taking advantage of the vacuum left by the United States and taking over Afghanistan province after province. Some claim that they already have 85% -90% of the territory in their hands. "They are less than 25 years old from the population."
Are you scared?
"Unfortunately, the younger generation is now anticipating the atrocities of the Taliban. There are fears that further escalation will exacerbate the problematic situation anyway - but we are hopeful that we will succeed in establishing peace in Afghanistan."
What is your position regarding the establishment of relations with Israel?
"The Afghan government has not issued any statement regarding the Abrahamic agreements. It depends on how other countries treat Israel. The eyes are also on developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An important factor is also how the international community fights extremists. Beyond these points, there is no reason for Afghanistan and Israel. "They will not establish relations between them. Afghanistan was home to large Jewish communities in Harat and Kabul."
What is the message you want to convey to Israel?
"The two countries can derive a lot from a normal relationship between them, because we all want to live in peace and do not accept extreme understanding."