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Backchannel discussions have reportedly taken place between the US and the Haqqanis, a faction within the Taliban known for its independent power base in Kabul.
Washington also aims to curb China and Russia’s expanding influence in Afghan affairs, making Taliban cooperation strategically important. (Reuters Image).
In a major diplomatic shift, the United States is reportedly preparing to re-engage with the Taliban, with indications that Washington may soon reopen its embassy in Kabul. According to top government sources, this move signals growing goodwill between the Taliban and US leadership, particularly President Donald Trump.
US-Taliban Engagement And Strategic Goals
The Trump administration sees direct engagement with the Taliban and the Haqqani Network as essential to countering ISIS-K, which remains the biggest security threat in Afghanistan and to US interests in the region. Washington also aims to curb China and Russia’s expanding influence in Afghan affairs, making Taliban cooperation strategically important.
Backchannel discussions have reportedly taken place between the US and the Haqqanis, a faction within the Taliban known for its independent power base in Kabul. Once seen as an asset of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Haqqani Network is increasingly charting its own course.
The diplomatic thaw has been accelerated by a recent prisoner swap, in which the US released a Taliban detainee, Khan Mohammad, in exchange for two American nationals, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty. The Taliban view this exchange as a step toward normalisation of relations, paving the way for deeper diplomatic engagement.
The Fallout For Pakistan
Pakistan, which has historically played a key role in Afghan affairs, is facing diminishing influence as the Taliban assert independence. Islamabad has long benefitted financially from acting as a mediator between the US and the Taliban. However, with the Taliban now engaging Washington directly, Pakistan’s strategic leverage is waning.
Adding to Islamabad’s concerns, the Taliban have refused to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Interior Minister and a key Taliban leader, has publicly opposed Pakistan on multiple security issues, further straining ties between the two.
Economic And Strategic Shifts In Afghanistan
The US has unfrozen a portion of Afghan central bank reserves—approximately $3.5 billion—providing indirect economic relief to the Taliban regime. Organisations like the World Bank and UN agencies are also resuming limited aid operations, which will reduce Afghanistan’s economic dependence on Pakistan.
For decades, Pakistan profited from Afghanistan’s reliance on its trade routes and financial institutions. However, with increasing US engagement, rising Indian influence, and direct Chinese investments in Afghanistan, Pakistan is losing its economic grip over the region. If US sanctions ease, the Taliban will gain direct financial access, bypassing Pakistani banks.
The Taliban have also warned the global community, including the US, that an economic collapse in Afghanistan could trigger mass migration towards the West. This argument appears to resonate with Washington, which sees aid and diplomatic engagement as tools to prevent a refugee crisis.
Haqqanis No Longer On US Bounty List?
There are growing indications that the names of key Haqqani leaders—Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani—may have been removed from the US State Department’s most-wanted list. Previously, the US had placed bounties of $10 million, $5 million, and $5 million, respectively, on these individuals as part of the Rewards for Justice programme.
While no official confirmation has been issued, sources close to the Haqqanis claim that the webpage listing these bounties is no longer accessible. Sirajuddin Haqqani’s role in the Afghan government, despite the US bounty, is very important in shaping the country’s future relationship with America, despite his past involvement in attacks against US and coalition forces, including the 2008 Serena Hotel bombing in Kabul, which killed six people, including a US citizen.
The apparent policy shift could be linked to Sirajuddin Haqqani’s role in securing the release of American hostages and his engagement with US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad. Sources suggest that if the US and the Taliban reach an understanding, Washington will tolerate Taliban inaction against groups threatening Pakistan.
A New Era Of US-Taliban Relations?
The US’ evolving stance on the Taliban marks a major recalibration in its South Asia policy. By engaging with the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, Washington aims to counter ISIS-K, reduce Afghanistan’s economic dependence on Pakistan, and prevent the country from becoming a base for global jihadist movements.
With Pakistan losing its traditional role as a power broker, Afghanistan’s geopolitical landscape is shifting. The growing ties between the US and the Taliban could redefine regional dynamics, leaving Islamabad with fewer bargaining chips in both diplomatic and economic spheres.