After Aug. 31, just diplomatic presence for US

Washington, Aug. 26: The US has said it is looking at a number of “options” on its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after the August 31 withdrawal deadline.

August 31 is the cut-off date set by both the US and the Taliban for America’s pullout from the war-torn country.

“With regard to our own potential presence going forward after the 31st, we’re looking at a number of options, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

“I’m sure we’ll have more on that in the coming days and weeks, but we’re looking at a variety of options, he said, referring to America’s diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after the withdrawal deadline.

Over the next few days, Blinken said, the focus of the US is on getting American citizens, other Afghan partners, thirdcountry partners — who were working in Afghanistan with the US — out of Afghanistan and to safety.

And for that purpose, “whether we like it or not”, it’s important to work with the Taliban, who are “largely in control of Afghanistan”, to try to facilitate and ensure the departure of all those who want to leave, Blinken said.

“And that has actually been something that we’ve been focused on from the beginning of this operation, because as a practical matter it advances our interests, he added.

According to Blinken, the US has been engaged with the Taliban for some time diplomatically going back years in efforts, to try to advance a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan.