Qalibaf Slams Former Afghan Gov’t as ‘Puppet’

Addressing a Parliament session on Sunday, Qalibaf said the fact that the former government of Kabul, which was a puppet of the US, lost the control of Afghanistan and the Taliban took over the country without any trouble was a result of public dissatisfaction with 20 years of American occupation and the inaction of a US-appointed government.

The developments in Afghanistan indicate clearly that the Afghan statesmen made a strategic mistake by trusting the US to bring about development and security, he added.

“After 20 years of ruling under an American(-oriented) government (in Afghanistan) and despite all slogans and expectations, not only has that country (Afghanistan) not made any tangible progress in the economic infrastructures and public welfare, but even the most elementary need of a civil society, namely security, has not been fulfilled in that country,” Qalibaf said, as quoted by Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian speaker also described the humiliating pullout of American troops from Afghanistan as a clear example of the US’ declining power in the international arena.

He further reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s support for the will of the Afghan people and in countering the possible attempts of foreign powers at fomenting insecurity and stability.