WASHINGTON — The United States will continue to judge the Taliban based on its actions, not its statements, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Thursday, citing the group’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan as a critical concern.
Speaking at a press briefing, Jean-Pierre emphasized that Afghanistan’s economic growth is tied to the full participation of women in society. “The country cannot strengthen its economy unless women are able to participate in all aspects of society without limitations,” she said, underscoring a key area where the Taliban has fallen short.
Jean-Pierre reiterated that while the U.S. will maintain contact with the Taliban on issues of national interest, these engagements are contingent upon tangible progress. The primary U.S. concerns, she noted, include “respect for the rights of women and girls” and the release of U.S. citizens wrongfully detained by the group.
Responding to a question about the Taliban’s interest in joining the BRICS Summit and its growing ties with China and Russia, Jean-Pierre was firm: “We’ll let the Taliban speak for themselves. But we have been very clear that we judge them by what they do, not by what they say. We’ve been consistent on that.”
She also addressed the Taliban’s calls for the removal of sanctions, emphasizing that such requests are conditional on the group fulfilling its international commitments.
The Taliban recently urged Russia to invite its delegation to the upcoming BRICS Summit, set to take place in Kazan on October 22. Despite seizing power in Afghanistan more than three years ago, the Taliban government remains unrecognized by any country.
