NEW: The Treasury Department has just issued guidance that allows governments, NGOs, and others to conduct business with the Taliban and the Haqqani Network (AKA al-Qaeda) in Afghanistan, ostensibly for humanitarian relief.
This is extremely dangerous - here's why: (1/5)
First, it legitimizes brutal organizations like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, which is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. These licenses will effectively end their isolation.
This while they are *actively* hunting down and killing our translators still TODAY.
Second, it sends the signal that if you take over enough territory with enough people in it, you too can gain legitimacy.
We never would have authorized transactions like this to ISIS. But here we are treating the Taliban and the Haqqanis with kid gloves.
Third, much of the aid going to Afghanistan will not end up with the people who are suffering under their rule.
It will end up straight back into the pockets of the Taliban and other terrorists and warlords, just as so much has for decades. Where is the plan to prevent this?
This was a massive gift to the Taliban and Haqqani Network, with no concessions or changes in behavior given in return.
At a minimum, we should have demanded the Taliban give safe passage to every translator and official who worked with us. Sadly, more of them will be killed.
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Fascinating analysis from @SCClemons on how WH staffers undermined @JoeBiden ‘s desires to continue negotiations w/@Sen_JoeManchin
“But then – bang! – the White House released a statement blaming Manchin for the delay… thehill.com/opinion/white-…
… It tried to strike a positive tone about the future, but it targeted Manchin specifically and alone.”
“When I saw Manchin’s name in the presidential statement, I knew he would perceive it as a breach of process, a breach of spirit, a breach of Joe and Joe working this out so that politicians from Scranton…could find a way to align with those from Brooklyn and San Francisco.”