Establish relationship with the NRF political office
The U.S. Department of State should establish formal contacts with representatives of the NRF based in Tajikistan to learn more about the group, its goals, and its needs. In addition, CENTCOM should be tasked with providing a senior military liaison to coordinate with the NRF, perhaps operating out of the U.S. embassy in Dushanbe.
Invite Ahmad Massoud to Washington DC
Ahmad Massoud is the right leader at the right time for the millions of Afghans who live in unimaginable conditions after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. US policymakers and the American public would benefit from hearing his message regarding the heroic efforts to the NRF to resist the Taliban and bring freedom back to the Afghan people.
Refuse to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan
The Taliban seeks international legitimacy, and the US should do everything it can to prevent this. At least 13 members of the Taliban’s so-called government are under United Nations sanctions. The Taliban’s interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, is a notorious terrorist currently wanted by the FBI with a $10 million reward for his arrest and who is part of the Haqqani family that links the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Under these circumstances alone, US recognition of the Taliban is inconceivable and recognizing the NRF is an imperative.
Advance America's counterterrorism goals in Afghanistan through the NRF
The NRF is the only viable force that can fight international terrorism from within Afghanistan. With U.S. and NATO military forces no longer present and only limited “over-the-horizon” strike capability available, the U.S. should meet with NRF leadership to explore how both could work together to improve counterterrorism operations inside Afghanistan.
