Pakistan has been seemingly vindicated by the statements of US Senator Chris Van Hollen, who has asserted that the Taliban takeover was due to the actions of the Trump administration and not Pakistan. Others — both Republicans and Democrats — also targeted Pakistan for its alleged support to the Afghan Taliban during the 20-year war. Responding to these allegations, Senator Van Hollen engaged in a dialogue with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was the main witness. “Is it not the fact that the Trump administration asked the Pakistani government to release three top Taliban commanders as part of that process?” he asked. So, the Trump administration, with this negotiation, set it up perfectly for the Taliban.

Source: Pakistan Today September 16, 2021 12:44 UTC