Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at the US’ 20-year campaign in Afghanistan that he said has ended in tragedies.
He pointed out that Washington achieved nothing over the past 20 years.
The US army’s attempt to ingrain their norms in Afghanistan was futile, Putin added.
“American troops were present on that territory (of Afghanistan) for 20 years, and over those 20 years they were trying to civilise the local people. But in fact, they sere there to impose their norms and standards of life in the broadest sense of this word, including the political organisation of society.”
“The only result is tragedies and losses for those who were doing that and especially for the people who live on the territory of Afghanistan. This is a zero result, if not negative.”
Last week, Putin said Russia would not interfere in Afghanistan and that Moscow had learned from the Soviet occupation of the country.
Moscow fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with the Soviet troops’ withdrawal in 1989.
What will the future hold?
The Taliban, who are still forming their government, said Afghanistan was declaring its “independence,” according to their spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.
In the next hours, the Taliban entered the Kabul Airport to find abandoned military equipment left inoperable by the US. Taliban leaders, flanked by the insurgents’ elite Badri unit, surveyed the airport.
Anas Haqqani, a Taliban leader, said Tuesday the group had finally achieved what they had struggled for 20 years.
“What we achieved today is the result of the blood of thousands of mujahedeen, loyalty, patience and tolerating the difficulties.”
The Taliban has promised to allow foreigners and Afghans to leave Afghanistan beyond 31 August.
More than 120,000 people were safely flown out of Afghanistan, including around 6,000 Americans.
The group spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared the group is now busy with securing and operating the site.
He indicated that they were in talks with Qatar and Turkey about the facility’s future
