In a surprising and unexpected move, the United States recently removed the names of three top leaders of the Haqqani Network – Sirajuddin Haqqani, Yahya Haqqani, and Aziz Haqqani – from its “Rewards for Justice” program. This list had previously offered large cash rewards for information leading to the capture of these individuals.
Although the Haqqani Network as a group is still listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, removing these individuals from the list has raised serious concerns. It send a troubling message to many Afghans, especially to the survivors and families of victims who suffered at the hands of the Haqqani Network. For them, this move looks like a failure of justice and a sign that the international community is stepping back from its promise to fight terrorism and protect human rights.
The decision came days after George Glezmann, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan for more than two years, was released following talks in Kabul between U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister.
It is true that governments often make decisions in foreign policy based on their national interests, which can involve moral trade-offs. However, removing the names of the highest-ranking members of one of the most violent and radical Taliban factions happened without any signs of justice, a legal process, or even a symbolic act of accountability. From both a security and ethical point of view, this action is extremely worrying.
The Haqqani Network has been responsible for many of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Afghanistan for over two decades. Their attacks have targeted innocent civilians, Afghan government officials, foreign embassies, and international military forces, killing thousands of people, including American and NATO troops. The group also has a long, well-documented history of war crimes, brutal violence, and human rights abuses. It is one of the most extreme and hardline parts of the Taliban movement.
A United Nations report from 2020 made it clear that many attacks that were believed to be carried out by the so-called Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were actually done by the Haqqani Network or with their help. This shows the group’s deep involvement in terrorism and deception.
Because of this, removing the names of Haqqani leaders from the U.S. wanted list can be understood as giving them a kind of unofficial acceptance or legitimacy. This weakens the U.S. government’s image as a leader in the global fight against terrorism. It sends a dangerous message that people who are responsible for horrible crimes and mass violence may, over time, avoid punishment if their political position becomes stronger.
Inside Afghanistan, this turn of events has already given the Haqqani faction more power and influence. Since the Taliban took over in August 2021, the Haqqani group has secured major roles in security, intelligence, and governance. Now, their supporters are using the recent U.S. decision to show off their growing power and to claim that they are internationally accepted.
This empowerment has serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups in Afghan society. Religious minorities, such as the Shiites, Sikhs, and Hindus; ethnic groups, such as the Hazaras; and also women and girls, human rights activists, and independent civil society groups are now at greater risk. A stronger and more confident Haqqani faction could lead to increased repression, violence, and fear for these already-targeted communities.
On a social and emotional level, the U.S. decision makes many Afghan families feel abandoned and forgotten. Families who lost loved ones in Haqqani-led attacks feel that justice has been ignored. The decision sends a cold and painful message that the international community, including powerful countries like the United States, might end up rewarding the perpetrators of terrorism instead of protecting the victims. Even worse, it may encourage other extremist and terrorist groups around the world. They may believe that no matter how terrible their crimes are, they will eventually be forgiven or accepted for expedient political reasons.
From a broader international perspective, this move weakens the basic principles of counterterrorism and human rights. The United States has long claimed to stand for democracy, justice, and freedom. But when it makes decisions like this that seem to let known terrorists off the hook, it can damage U.S. credibility and trust, not only among the Afghan people but also among its allies in the region. Countries like Pakistan and Tajikistan, which are already worried about the return of dangerous groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Ansarullah of Tajikistan, may see this as a sign that the United States is no longer serious about fighting extremism in the region.
In light of all this, it is urgent that the U.S. and its allies re-evaluate their approach toward the Taliban regime. A better and more effective policy would include applying strong but smart pressure on the Taliban without giving them formal recognition. This pressure could include targeted financial sanctions, travel bans, restricting their access to international aid and banking systems, and isolating individuals who are known to have committed war crimes or crimes against humanity. At the same time, the United States should increase its support for Afghan civil society, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and groups working to document crimes by the Taliban and Haqqani Network. This support helps keep the idea of justice alive, even in difficult times.
Another important part of this strategy should be to build a regional coalition to help stop the spread of violent extremism in Afghanistan. Such a coalition could include countries like Pakistan, Turkiye, the Central Asian states, and the European Union. This group could work together by sharing intelligence, cutting off funding to terrorist groups, and supporting moderate Afghanistan political groups and opposition voices in exile. Supporting Afghan democratic movements outside the country is essential if we want to build a future alternative to the Taliban’s extremist rule.
History has shown that giving in to extremist actors does not bring peace. It usually leads to more violence, more fear, and greater instability across entire regions. If the United States and its international partners want a peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan and the surrounding region, they must stay committed to justice, accountability, and support for the victims of terrorism. Groups like the Haqqani Network should not be rewarded with silence or political deals. Instead, they should face justice for their actions not just for the sake of Afghanistan, but for global security and the rule of law.