The leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF) Ahmad Massoud has urged policymakers in Washington to heed the recommendations of the Hudson Institute, which has called for support for the NRF.
Massoud stated that the Taliban are exploiting the world's fatigue regarding Afghanistan to maintain their rule and continue suppressing the people, particularly women.
On Tuesday, the Hudson Institute released a report urging the US government to provide both military and non-military assistance to the NRF. The think tank also suggested that a portion of Afghanistan's frozen central bank assets be allocated to the NRF.
During his speech at the institute, Massoud expressed hope that "policymakers in Washington will welcome the points made in this research”. He criticised the policy of "appeasing the Taliban" and the "unconditional engagement of countries" with the group.
While no government has formally recognised the Taliban, several regional nations have expanded trade and political relations with the group. Western representatives, despite criticising the Taliban's policies towards women, have held meetings with Taliban officials in Qatar.
Massoud emphasised that the past three years have shattered the illusion of a "more pragmatic and moderate Taliban," asserting that "there is no reformed or good Taliban”. He added that this period has demonstrated the group remains as fanatic and oppressive as before.
Massoud presented the NRF as an alternative to the Taliban, advocating for the creation of a "democratic and pluralistic government" in Afghanistan. He also highlighted that the group is actively fighting terrorism, noting that dozens of terrorist organisations are operating in Afghanistan.
He pointed to militant attacks in Pakistan and warned that Taliban rule is destabilising the region.
Massoud cited "dozens of successful operations" carried out by the NRF against the Taliban, stating that the Front's goal is to "inspire hope among the people and prevent the normalisation of Afghanistan's current situation”.
The Hudson Institute's recent report examines the current conditions in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and states that the NRF is the only group engaged in armed resistance against the Taliban. The report also criticises the Biden administration's policy towards the NRF as lacking a strategic vision, adding that whether American policymakers accept it or not, Afghanistan will remain a crucial part of US foreign policy.
The report further recalls that in the 1990s, the US recognised the United Front, led by Ahmad Shah Massoud, and suggests that it could now also recognise the NRF as an opposition force to the Taliban regime.
