Thread by @joshrogin

The National Security Adviser of Afghanistan just told a room full of reporters that U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalizad is trying to “delegitimize the Afghan government,” perhaps so he can take it over for himself. Wow.

Afghan NSA @hmohib just now, on the record: “We are told that Ambassador Khalizad is a great diplomat and he knows what he is doing. I’m not sure I buy that because I think he is ostracizing and alienating a very trusted ally and partner.” (There's much more coming...)

More @hmohib on @US4AfghanPeace: “We think either Ambassador Khalizad doesn’t know how to negotiate and there may be other reasons behind what he’s doing. But what he’s doing is not getting a deal that would result in peace in Afghanistan.”

Afghan NSA @hmohib: “Knowing Ambassador Khalizad’s own personal history, he has ambitions in Afghanistan. He wanted to run for president twice… people in government think perhaps all this talk is to create a caretaker government of which he will then become the Viceroy.” Wow.

@hmohib This is the part where @hmohib says Khalizad is doing stuff Trump wouldn't like: "I don’t think the president has instructed to delegitimize the Afghan government. I don’t think the president has instructed to disrespect the Afghan people.”

State Dept official tells @KimDozierhis comments were inaccurate and unhelpful. “His comments do not in any way reflect the high level of U.S.-Afghan coordination on all matters involving peace in Afghanistan.” thedailybeast.com/is-zalmay-khal…

The Afghan National Security Adviser said America's actions are undermining the confidence of the Afghan military: “How am I supposed to convince them that they are not being sold out?” Read @alirogin & @nickschifrin for @NewsHour pbs.org/newshour/world…