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Taliban dismisses US new strategy on Afghanistan as "unclear", "old"

 ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Afghan Taliban rebels on Tuesday dismissed the United States new strategy for Afghanistan, announced by President Donald Trump, as "unclear" and "old." The spokesman for Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid in a statement released to media said, "The whole speech was old. For now I can tell you there was nothing new in his speech and it was very unclear." He further warned, "If America doesn't withdraw its troops, soon Afghanistan will become another graveyard for this superpower in the 21st century." A senior Taliban commander in Afghanistan was quoted by media as saying that Trump was just perpetuating the "arrogant behavior" of previous presidents such as George Bush. "He is just wasting American soldiers. We know how to defend our country. It will not change anything," he added.
Meanwhile, Top US Commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson on Tuesday welcomed President Trump's announcement of a new approach to Afghanistan and the region. In a statement to media he said, "Our Afghan partners know that our commitment is strong and enduring. Our future presence will be based on conditions and not arbitrary timelines." He said, "Now is the time (for Taliban) to renounce violence and reconcile," adding that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was victory for the Afghan people and the goal of the coalition, he said Last week, Taliban warned US President not to send more troops and calling for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. The Taliban have also said they are not ready for any peace talks, at least not until the US and NATO give a timeframe for withdrawal. (end) sbk.hb