Thread by @asfandyarmir

Today Special Envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad testified to the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security. Things which struck out: 1/n oversight.house.gov/legislation/he…

1. In his opening statement, Khalilzad criticizes Afghan leaders for the civil war in the 90s -- saying they "did not behave responsibly or judiciously." oversight.house.gov/sites/democrat…

2. He says the US will "continue to advocate our values, including electoral democracy, rights of women and
religious minorities, [but] recognize that only Afghans can find a sustainable formula that is unique to their history and culture." oversight.house.gov/sites/democrat…

3. He says the Taliban has taken "some positive steps" related to al-Qaida but looking for more. When pressed by @Malinowski if Taliban has asked followers to stop cooperation with al-Qaida, Khalilzad says "I need a different setting to comment on that."

4. Khalilzad identifies potential spoilers: "Agreement and success is not assured. There are spoilers who prefer the status quo to a peace agreement, because personal wealth, access to money, access to power, these are important considerations."

5. On Pakistan, he mentions army chief Bajwa's view -- and not Imran Khan's -- on regional peace and says Pakistan is cooperating:

6. On being challenged by @Malinowski that the Taliban have really only committed to one thing, which is to not shoot at US troops as they withdraw, Khalilzad appears to lament the narrow set of options available to the negotiators.

7. After a tough exchange on what Taliban have really committed to and if US conceded too much (like prisoners), @Malinowski tells Khalilzad: "...what you are selling us is not peace, but a fairy tale to make us feel better about leaving Afghanistan." n/n