Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed strong disapproval on Saturday of comments made by U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karen Decker about engaging with the Taliban, describing it as “a slap in the face of the people of Afghanistan.”
Decker, in a post on X on March 8, highlighted a meeting in Istanbul, stating, “Strong support among civil society reps in Istanbul for UN-led process to reintegrate Afghanistan into int’l community. Lots of talent and energy here ready to support a political roadmap and engagement with the Taliban. Afghanistan needs all its people to thrive.”
McCaul responded, saying, “The suggestion that there is any possibility for engagement with the Taliban is a slap in the face to the people of Afghanistan who are victims of the Taliban regime. This administration should not encourage engagement with the Taliban under any circumstances.”
The exchange underscores the contentious debate over how best to approach the situation in Afghanistan, especially concerning the Taliban’s role in the country’s future.
