Many Afghan citizens believe that the U.S. has a considerable influence on their country’s future policies and are hopeful that the Biden administration’s policies will shift under Trump. “I want the new president to prioritize Afghanistan in his policies and work towards restoring democracy and supporting our nation,” says Naseer Rahimi, an Afghan citizen.
Another citizen, Mohammad Naasir, emphasizes the need for economic revival: “I urge the U.S. government to remove economic sanctions so that we can create job opportunities for our people.”
Women, in particular, are looking for a renewed commitment to their rights. “I ask the US new administration to adopt a humble approach toward Afghanistan and pay serious attention to women’s access to education and work,” states Manijeh, an Afghan woman. Other voices, like Humaira, called on Trump not to overlook the democratic aspirations of Afghans. “I hope Trump’s new administration takes Afghanistan condition seriously and exerts pressure on De facto Authorities to create an inclusive government and pay attention to people situation,” she stated.
However, political analysts suggest that Trump’s approach may not align with these expectations. Matiullah Aryanpour, an international relations expert, observed that Trump’s priorities are likely to emphasize military and economic interests over humanitarian concerns. “Issues like human rights, education, and democracy are not significant for a businessman like Trump,” he said. “His administration will likely rely on indirect negotiations and strategic pressure on Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
As the Trump administration gears up, his security advisor Mike Walts has already hinted at potentially aggressive policies against extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.
With this in mind, questions remain: will Trump seek to reestablish military bases in Afghanistan, and will U.S. forces return?
Ahmed Nadim, a military analyst, believes that the new administration will announce a shift in policy towards Afghanistan, moving away from Biden’s framework. “There’s a possibility that U.S. troops may return to Afghanistan depending on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s actions regarding terrorism,” he said.
Furthermore, economic experts argue that if the Trump administration and Afghanistan’s De Facto Authorities do not adhere to the Doha Agreement, economic sanctions could increase. Azarakhsh Hafizi, an economic analyst, says that the U.S. may minimize its financial aid until it can guarantee that funds do not reach extremist groups.
Translated by: Frishta Sultani
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