US Urges Taliban to Reverse Policies on Human Rights and Release Detained Citizens Washington and London - The United States has called on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban to reverse policies that have contributed to the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, with a particular focus on women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

In talks held in Doha, Qatar, US officials pressed for the release of detained US citizens. The Taliban, which regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal of US troops, expressed a desire for travel restrictions on their leaders to be lifted.

The US Department of State stated that discussions were held with senior Taliban representatives and technocratic professionals over the span of two days. During the talks, the US delegation voiced support for the demands of the Afghan people, emphasizing the importance of their rights being respected and their voices shaping the country's future.

The US specifically urged the Taliban to reverse bans on secondary education for girls and employment for women. In return, the Taliban expressed their desire for the unfreezing of Afghanistan's assets. The US froze $10 billion of the country's central bank assets in 2021.

The discussions also acknowledged the Taliban's commitment to preventing Afghanistan from being used as a platform for attacks on the United States and its allies, with a noted decrease in large-scale terrorist attacks against Afghan civilians.

For two decades, the Taliban were adversaries of the US. Despite being ousted by the US following the 9/11 attacks, the group continued to pose a threat to American troops and their allies. Following the withdrawal of the last US troops two years ago, the Taliban swiftly regained control of Kabul.

It should be noted that no country officially recognizes the Taliban administration, although they currently act as the de facto government. These talks between US officials and the Taliban mark a significant step towards addressing the human rights concerns in Afghanistan and finding areas of mutual interest for cooperation.

The US has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Afghan people and urged the Taliban to take meaningful steps in ensuring the rights and well-being of all citizens, particularly women, girls, and vulnerable communities. The international community will be closely watching for concrete actions from the Taliban to fulfill these commitments.