US accuses Pakistan, Iran and Russia of support to Afghan Taliban

GENERAL JOHN W. NICHOLSON, COMMANDER U.S. FORCES – AFGHANISTAN has said that the Taliban and Haqqani network are the greatest threats to security in Afghanistan and their senior leaders remain insulated from pressure and enjoy freedom of action within Pakistan safe havens.

He made this blame in his testimony in a hearing of the US Senate’s Armed Services Committee yesterday.  

“External safe haven and support in Pakistan increases the cost to the United States in terms of lives, time, and money, and it advantages the enemy with the strategic initiative, allowing them to determine the pace and venue of conflict from sanctuary,” he said, adding that even within this dynamic, the situation in Afghanistan has reached a state of equilibrium that favors the Government.

He also blamed Iran and Russia for support to Afghan Taliban saying that as long as they enjoy external enablement, they have no incentive to reconcile. He said that the primary factor that will enable our success is the elimination of external sanctuary and support to the insurgents.

“Russia has become more assertive over the past year, overtly lending legitimacy to the Taliban to undermine NATO efforts and bolster belligerents using the false narrative that only the Taliban are fighting ISIL-K. Similarly, neighboring Iran is providing support to the Taliban while also engaging the Afghan government over issues of water rights, trade, and security,” he said.

GENERAL JOHN W. NICHOLSON, COMMANDER U.S. FORCES – AFGHANISTAN