On Friday, December 4, 2020, the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) held an online roundtable discussion on "How Biden Presidency Impact Afghanistan-US Relations?". Thomas H. Johnson, research professor at Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, US; Haroun Mir, senior advisor to the First Vice President of Afghanistan; Bilal Sarwary, independent scholar/Aghan journalist; and David S. Sedney, president of American University of Afghanistan were the speakers of the program. The event was moderated by Farishta Sakhi, former Afghan Diplomat and PhD Candidate at George Mason University, US.
In his speech, Haroun Mir pointed out that It is the first time in a history of peace talk that many concessions have been made. The government made concessions to release 5000 Taliban and many dangerous drug smugglers. He added that it shows that Afghanistan and Afghans are very committed to these negotiations for the peace process. He further stated that Afghanistan government wants to end this ambiguity and uncertainty. He said that we cannot force the United States to stay in Afghanistan, but we want to give us a clear timetable, as this uncertainty is very costly for Afghanistan. Moreover, Mr. Mir mentioned that we have to take responsibility for corruption. It is not anymore, the Afghan government, but the Afghan nation. We are called a corrupt nation because it is not unidimensional as it is happening in all levels and all aspects of life.
Thomas Johnson stated that it is very important to understand that Joe Biden was against a large troop presence under Obama administration. Under his administration, he believes that the Biden administration will keep a small number of troops to play counter-terrorism role, especially against Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Mr. Johnson added that the United States lost 2500 men and women and aided trillions of dollars. This administration will not allow the Afghanistan to fall down. He believes that Biden and Harris want to be out of Afghanistan, but they want it to happen in a rational way. Also, he mentioned that if the Taliban is at all serious about Doha talk, they have to agree with a ceasefire. They should end this useless killing of Afghan civilians, specially children, he said.
Bilal Sarwary stated that in the peace deal it was agreed that the major cities will not be targeted. Yet we see e devastating number of attacks from Taliban, and their actions are coward. He added that the international community and Afghanistan must preserve new Afghanistan, as infrastructure, roads, universities, houses, schools are all under attack. Furthermore, Mr. Sarwary stated that this undeclared war has to be explained in a very clear tone. Who is behind this? He said the lack of transparency by both American and Afghan administration is a big issue, and we have to remember that this war is played in the back of poor villages.
David S. Sedney said that the issue of Afghanistan has faded, and it is not anymore, a priority for the new administration. The upcoming administration has made it clear what their priorities are. He expects that Afghanistan will be a matter of debate for the new administration. Also, he added that what happens in Afghanistan will determine the US policy in the country. He further stated that the Doha delegation is united, but the Afghan govt is not united; it is up to Afghan leaders to make impacts. If they are unified, it is more effective.