US-Afghan Ties Based on Common Interests: Afghan Govt

The Afghan government on Saturday said the strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is based on mutual interests and that there will be no major shift in the US’s Afghan policy after outcome of the US election.

“The foundation of our partnership over the past nineteen years has always been based on the understanding that the two governments and the people have on their common interests. No doubt, we will remain as an ally whether there is any administration in the United States,” presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said.

There is a perception in Afghanistan that Joe Biden’s victory in the US election will bring changes in the US policy towards the Afghan peace process and the withdrawal of US forces from the country.

“He (Biden) is also in support of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, but his approach can be a different one regarding this issue. There is a hope that Biden will hear more about this (troops withdrawal), especially the plans that are supposed to be shared by the US army and the US intelligence,” said Shinkai Karokhel, an MP.

“The policies that Mr. Trump had adopted towards the Taliban, certainly Joe Biden will review it, but in the greater context, the US policies will not change,” said Ali Akbar Qasimi, an MP.

Critics said the continuation of the US war in Afghanistan is one of the main commonalities that has led to a consensus among the American politicians on war and peace in the region. The critics said that it remains unclear whether there will really be a significant shift in the US policy towards Afghanistan after the announcement of the winner of the US presidential election.