![U.S. reliance on the Taliban for safety of its citizens in Afghanistan a ‘risk,’ warns ex-general](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/106931216-16294854132021-08-20t182857z_1018994243_rc269p9goaxs_rtrmadp_0_afghanistan-conflict-backlash.jpeg?v=1629485475)
Mark Kimmitt, a retired Army Brigadier General, said that he was worried about the U.S.-Taliban agreement to ensure safe passage for Americans out of Afghanistan.
Kimmitt was deputy assistant secretary for defense for Middle Eastern policies. He stated that "the fact that we're depending on the Taliban is a risk we need to know about, and we should be having some plans in case they decide to cut off that flow." "The Taliban have not lived up to an agreement they made since they created their organization. You saw this at the Doha negotiations. The Taliban can turn on what they want, but the Taliban can turn it off in a split second.
The Taliban have seized many major cities and provincial capitals in Afghanistan over the past weeks before entering Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on Sunday to take control of the presidential palace.
Friday's White House address by President Joe Biden revealed that he didn't intend to increase the American security perimeter beyond its airport location, as it would have "unintended consequences."
He said, "We have been in constant communication with Taliban leadership on ground in Kabul as well as the Taliban leadership at Doha." "And we have been co-ordinating what we are doing."
Frank Holland was interviewed by Kimmitt, who said that he believes the U.S. underestimated Taliban's capabilities in psychological warfare.
Kimmitt stated that Afghan soldiers are able to penetrate the heads of Afghan soldiers while also inspiring their soldiers. Kimmitt spoke to the media during a Friday night interview.
Retired Army brigadier General added that the U.S. military is superior in terms of military capability.
CNBC reached out to the White House for comment but they did not respond immediately.