Biden and Taliban "Withdrawal Deadline as Scheduled"... CIA and Taliban Secret Meeting Likely Discussed Extension

G7 Summit Discussed Extending US Troop Withdrawal Deadline but Failed to Reach Agreement
Biden Emphasizes Withdrawal and Evacuation Completion by 31st as Scheduled
Taliban Also Demands Strict Adherence to 31st Deadline
White House Spokesperson Acknowledges Need for Deadline Extension
Possibility of Agreement in Secret US-Taliban Meeting

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he will proceed with the planned withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and the evacuation of civilians by the end of this month, despite opposition from the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7). However, since the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) visited Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, to engage in talks with the Taliban, the possibility of a change in the U.S. stance cannot be ruled out.

The White House stated on the 24th (local time) that during the G7 virtual summit, President Biden expressed his intention to complete the withdrawal and evacuation schedule as planned.

This stance was maintained despite concerns that the Taliban’s unexpectedly early capture of Kabul could significantly disrupt the U.S. withdrawal and evacuation plans.

President Biden made it clear that completing the mission by August 31 depends on the Taliban’s cooperation in allowing evacuees access to the airport.

According to the Associated Press, during the G7 meeting, the United Kingdom and France advocated for an extension of the evacuation deadline, but President Biden opposed it, and no agreement on extending the deadline was reached.

Both the U.S. and the Taliban deny any extension of the foreign troop withdrawal and civilian evacuation deadlines. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, stated at a press conference that the Biden administration must complete all withdrawals by the deadline set for the end of this month.

However, it is interpreted that the possibility of extending the withdrawal and evacuation deadline remains open, as President Biden reportedly requested the Department of Defense and the State Department to prepare contingency plans to adjust the timetable.

The U.S. side is also aware that civilians hoping to escape Afghanistan are having difficulty reaching the airport due to Taliban interference. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki acknowledged at a daily briefing that "we are communicating with qualified civilians about when and how they will arrive at Kabul airport," and admitted that "additional time may be needed for the withdrawal."

The fact that secret meetings between the U.S. and the Taliban have taken place leaves room for potential changes.

According to U.S. media, William Burns, Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), held a sudden secret meeting with Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is regarded as the de facto leader of the Taliban. This was a face-to-face discussion between the highest-level representatives of both sides following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan to discuss the current situation.

CNN reported that Burns’ trip to Kabul was ordered by President Joe Biden and that discussions likely focused on the deadline for U.S. troop withdrawal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.