US Secretary Rubio Confirms Taliban Terrorist Designation Under Review

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the United States is actively reviewing whether to designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. policy toward Afghanistan. Rubio emphasized that this decision would be based on a holistic approach considering future U.S. relations with Afghanistan's caretaker government, noting recent diplomatic successes like the release of detained Americans but also ongoing concerns about the Taliban's ties to al Qaeda. He acknowledged the persistent security threats from Afghanistan-based militants and explained the absence of American diplomats in Kabul is due to security concerns. Rubio also referenced former President Donald Trump's involvement in negotiating deals to keep Americans safe and his continued interest in preventing Afghanistan from becoming a launchpad for attacks. Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a comprehensive Pentagon review of the 2021 chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to ensure accountability. Afghan officials have urged the U.S. to understand Afghanistan's current realities and engage diplomatically rather than confrontationally.