China’s role in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal
Warsaw InstituteJun 14, 2022
On Monday, Afghan Taliban security forces killed at least three gunmen after they attacked a hotel in Kabul. The hotel is popular with Chinese nationals and, while no foreigners were reported killed, two were injured while trying to escape by jumping from the hotel balcony.
Taliban sources said the attack was carried out at Longan Hotel. Kabul's Emergency Hospital, which is run by an Italian non-profit organization, said it received 21 casualties, including 18 injured and three who were dead on arrival.
This latest attack is another example of the failed US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Islamic State group was virtually eradicated before the US's botched retreat last year, and now its Khorasan affiliate is back in the game attacking diplomatic buildings and killing civilians. This attack on Chinese nationals may prompt Beijing to take on a more constructive role to clean up the mess left behind by Washington.
Beyond its empty promises to build a more inclusive government, the Taliban has failed to back up its pledge to prevent Islamic State group terror attacks on its soil. Even with billions of dollars worth of weapons and equipment, the new Afghan Taliban government has yet to set up a functional army, which is key to combatting this threat.