Dostum: The Taliban Understand Only Force; Afghanistan Is Not Their Private Property.
Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum strongly criticized the Taliban’s approach, stating that the group understands neither the language of negotiation and diplomacy nor the principles of good neighborly relations.
He said the Taliban respond only to force and pressure and reject any form of rational dialogue.
Dostum noted that in the past, Pakistani officials had held several meetings with him and Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq in an effort to resolve certain issues, but the Taliban refused the path of understanding and compromise.
He also rejected accusations raised by what he described as “reckless” and “well-known” individuals in some media programs, who claim he has surrendered to Ahmad Massoud, saying his remarks merely reflect the pain and demands of the Afghan people and aim to defend the rights of all citizens.
At the same time, Marshal Dostum warned the Taliban that they must sit at the negotiating table with their opponents and engage in talks about the country’s future.
He stressed that if the Taliban refuse negotiations, they will be forced to do so under pressure. He added that Afghanistan is not the exclusive property of any group; it belongs to all Afghans, and the Taliban must engage with all ethnic groups and political currents in deciding the country’s fate.
