Khalilzad is not trusthworthy: AfghanEvac Head

Shawn VanDiver, head of AfghanEvac, criticized Zalmay Khalilzad, calling him untrustworthy due to his controversial role in Afghanistan policy.

Shawn VanDiver, president of the refugee advocacy group AfghanEvac, has sharply criticized former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for endorsing an Eid message by Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), VanDiver stated, “Afghan citizens know they cannot trust Zalmay Khalilzad.”

Khalilzad had earlier described the Taliban leader’s remarks—calling for the return of former Afghanistan government employees under a promise of general amnesty—as “positive.” The speech was delivered on Saturday, June 7, during Eid celebrations, with Akhund urging Afghans abroad to return home.

On June 8, Khalilzad reposted a U.S. media article on the Eid message and wrote, “A positive statement from the Taliban Prime Minister,” prompting immediate backlash from Afghan activists and advocacy groups.

VanDiver responded by questioning Khalilzad’s credibility, highlighting his controversial role in U.S. foreign policy over the past two decades. “I wonder if most Americans realize he was the central figure in over 20 years of failed U.S. strategy in Afghanistan,” he wrote.

He further emphasized, “Things only began to improve when he was sidelined. Don’t trust Zalmay.” The post echoed long-standing criticism that Khalilzad enabled Taliban legitimacy without securing lasting peace or accountability.

Critics argue that the Taliban’s promises of amnesty are contradicted by documented reports of reprisals, detentions, and disappearances of former Afghan officials and military personnel, as noted by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch.

While Khalilzad remains a vocal commentator on Afghan affairs, his perceived closeness to the Taliban continues to raise alarms among Afghan diaspora communities and human rights organizations. His public endorsements are viewed by many as whitewashing an oppressive regime.

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