Taliban Asks U.S. To Retain Its Embassy In Kabul

The Taliban, which has gained almost complete control over Afghanistan, has asked the United States to retain its embassy in Kabul after the US military pullout by Aug. 31, according to a Taliban official and diplomatic sources, Kyodo News.

Photo Insert: The US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan

"We would like the US to remain in Afghanistan very much," a senior Taliban official told Kyodo News in confirming that the Islamist group has conveyed that position to Washington. "We will provide absolute security (of the embassy)," he said.

According to multiple diplomatic sources, the Taliban has requested the embassy stay put in discussions with the United States in Kabul and in Doha, Qatar, where the political operations of the group have been based in recent years.

Indeed, the topic may have been on the agenda of Monday's secret meeting in Kabul between US Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns and Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's de facto leader.

Observers say it appears that the Taliban's aim is to avoid a decisive disconnect with the United States and facilitate international recognition of the new Afghan administration to be formed following 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Wednesday that the Taliban have committed publicly and privately to permitting safe passage from the country for Americans, third-country nationals, and Afghans at risk after the Aug. 31 pullout deadline expires.

"We're developing detailed plans for how we can continue to provide consular support and facilitate departures for those who wish to leave after Aug. 31," he said.

WEEKLY FEATURE : PAL READY TO SOAR WITH PANDEMIC