Al-Qaeda, Foreign Policy (FP) and Afghanistan
On March 22, 2024, Foreign Policy published a report titled “Al Qaeda Is Back—and Thriving—in Afghanistan”, which made several unsubstantiated claims about the presence and support of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Before discussing the content of the policy report, let us first delve into the controversial character and role of Lynne O’Donnell, the author of the aforementioned report.
Who is Lynne O’Donnell?
Lynne O’Donnell is an Australian female journalist who has seemingly continued her journalistic activities in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. However, upon reviewing her work, it becomes apparent that her strong aversion towards the Mujahideen and Islam is quite evident. The majority of her reports consist of fabricated details and fictional narratives.
The aforementioned female journalist’s credibility is not taken seriously amongst her peers. Given her past and negative perceptions of Afghanistan, none of her assertions are deemed reliable.
In the year 2022, the Islamic Emirate briefly detained her following her entry into Afghanistan due to her improper conduct and dissemination of false reports. Following thorough interrogation, she was advised to uphold journalistic ethics.
Upon her departure from Afghanistan, she falsely accused the Islamic Emirate, alleging that they had threatened and coerced her into expressing views contrary to her reports and principles. However, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate refuted these claims, stating, “She has been questioned due to her overt support of armed resistance against the current system, numerous infractions, and dissemination of false reports,” further adding that “O’Donnell has grossly misrepresented her activities in Afghanistan.”
The authorities extended an offer for her to provide substantiating evidence in support of her claims, should she possess any.
This recent report by the aforementioned female journalist from the realm of foreign policy reflects malice and ill-will, seemingly aimed at seeking retribution through deceit, thereby undermining fundamental journalistic principles.
What are the sources of the Foreign Policy Report?
Establishing the veracity of any claim necessitates robust substantiation. Furthermore, in the pursuit of justice, if one chooses to levy accusations, it is imperative that the grounds for such accusations be solid and authentic. The sources referenced should be reputable and trustworthy.
Upon scrutiny of the report in question, it becomes palpable that it is merely a concocted tale rooted in bias. The report lacks named sources, presenting no empirical evidence to underpin their credibility. Merely attributing statements to unidentified sources that wish to remain anonymous does not bestow due integrity upon the report.
You accuse a government by hiding a person but you don’t have the moral courage to name it.
You are making your report based on a report, which according to you has not been published yet, and a copy of it has been sent to you, so looking at your past and controversial personality, how can your claims be trusted?
Such a frivolous demeanor only serves to bolster the notion that the report is a figment of a biased individual’s imagination.
What’s in the Foreign Policy Report?
The report, authored by Lynn O’Donnell, asserts that Al-Qaeda is resurging in Afghanistan, with the Taliban extending financial and political assistance to the organization. Allegations are made that Al-Qaeda has been granted access to Afghanistan’s natural resources, thereby fulfilling their needs from the region.
But the claims made in this report have been rejected several times by the American officials themselves and they have said that al-Qaeda no longer exists as a major threat in Afghanistan.
A few days ago, it was stated in the annual report of the American intelligence that Al-Qaeda is not able to carry out operations in Afghanistan.
Similarly, US special representative Tom West recently said that al-Qaeda is not a threat in Afghanistan.
In addition to this, Al-Qaida is at its historical nadir in Afghanistan, and its revival is unlikely,” National Counterterrorism Center Director Christy Abizaid said in a statement marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001.
Despite these recent admissions by US officials, foreign policy and her controversial journalistic claims against al-Qaeda call into question his investigative and journalistic credibility.
It is a fact that al-Qaeda expressed its happiness with the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, but at the same time, it reiterated its promise that it will pay full attention to the promise of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the world, so that the Islamic Emirate to be saved from political problems.
Another important thing is that the Islamic Emirate has been established in Afghanistan, there is no longer any justification for Al-Qaeda to remain in Afghanistan, and the information is that Al-Qaeda’s activities and attention are now completely focused on the Arabian Peninsula.
The government of Afghanistan manages its economy with great difficulty. Why would they give their gold mines and millions of dollars to whom? Second, al-Qaeda is currently the most financially stable of the jihadist organizations and does not need help from anyone else.
The Mujahideen of the Arab countries have returned to their countries and continue their jihad activities there, and the Mujahideen of Al-Qaeda in the subcontinent are present in their hideouts in the cities and mountains of Pakistan but recently, no report of their activity has been received.
