WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday declined to describe Afghanistans Taliban as a terrorist group, prompting consternation from the right, which accused President Barack Obamas administration of being out of touch.
They do carry out tactics that are akin to terrorism, they do pursue terror attacks in an effort to advance their agenda, said White House spokesperson Josh Earnest.
Whats also true though is that it is important to draw a distinction between the Taliban and al Qaeda, he said, pointing to a difference in designation.
The Taliban is a very dangerous organisation, he added.
The Treasury Department has imposed anti-terror sanctions on around 2,000 Taliban fighters, leaders, supporters and financiers.
But the White Houses distinction got short shrift from its political opponents, with Republicans sending footage of the comments to supporters.
It slits throats, it attacks buses, it drives car bombs into markets and its not a terrorist group. Look, you cant parody this administration, said conservative commentator Charles Krauthammer.
Others said the White Houses distinction was based more on politics than reality, pointing to the negotiated release of Taliban captive and US soldier Bowe Bergdahl.
The White House says it does not negotiate with terror groups.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
ACT NOW |
MONTHLY | Rs 100 | |
YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |