US Removes Rewards for Taliban Leaders on June 6th, Signaling Shift in Strategy

The United States has withdrawn millions of dollars in rewards previously offered for the capture of Taliban leaders, including the current Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. This decision, announced on June 6th, has been welcomed by Kabul and signals a potential shift in US strategy towards Afghanistan. While Haqqani and other leaders of the Haqqani network remain designated as "international terrorists," the removal of the rewards is seen as a symbolic gesture that could strengthen Haqqani's position within the Taliban regime. Experts suggest that Haqqani represents a more "pragmatic" voice within the Taliban, potentially offering an alternative to the hardline stance of the supreme leader, Emir Hibatullah Akhundzada. The US State Department clarified that this move is part of a continuous adjustment of reward policies. The Haqqani network, responsible for numerous violent attacks in Afghanistan, has long been a target of US efforts. This decision could impact the internal dynamics of the Taliban and its relationship with the international community.