KABUL — Five years ago, on February 29, 2020, the United States signed the Doha Agreement with the Taliban in Qatar after months of negotiations. The deal outlined key provisions, including a commitment that Afghan territory would not be used against the U.S. and its allies, the phased withdrawal of American forces, the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive ceasefire.
Under the agreement, the U.S. pledged to withdraw all troops within 14 months and begin removing Taliban members from terrorist blacklists. In return, the Taliban committed to severing ties with terrorist groups and engaging in peace talks with Afghan political factions.
Has the Doha Agreement Been Implemented?
Five years later, analysts argue that the Taliban have failed to uphold their commitments.
“The agreement had disastrous consequences for Afghanistan and the region. With the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the region does not feel secure, and Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorist groups,” said Shukria Barakzai, former Afghan ambassador to Norway.
Experts cite the collapse of the Afghan Republic, the Taliban’s return to power, the resurgence of terrorist networks, worsening poverty, restrictions on women’s education and employment, shrinking social freedoms, and increasing human rights violations as direct consequences of the deal.
“This agreement will also impact the U.S., but in reality, the Afghan people have suffered the most,” said Nasrullah Stanikzai, a university professor. “After this agreement, there is no longer any hope for Afghanistan.”
Many Afghans view the Doha Agreement as a surrender to the Taliban.
“The darkest day for Afghanistan was the day this agreement was signed. Because of it, women and girls were deprived of education, work, and a dignified life,” said Maryam, a Kabul resident.
“Afghanistan’s current suffering is a result of the Doha Agreement,” said Sudaba, another Kabul resident.
The Taliban’s Position
The Taliban insist that key aspects of the deal have been implemented.
“Two key provisions of the agreement have been fulfilled: the withdrawal of U.S. forces and ensuring that Afghan territory is not used against other countries,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson. “However, the U.S. has failed to lift sanctions and establish friendly relations with the Taliban.”
The group has repeatedly accused the U.S. of violating the agreement, but analysts argue that the Taliban, too, have not honored their commitments—particularly in breaking ties with terrorist organizations and preventing Afghanistan from being used as a base for attacks on other countries.
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with political instability and humanitarian crises, the long-term impact of the Doha Agreement remains a point of contention, with many questioning whether it has brought peace or simply reshaped the conflict.
