A former Recon Marine who undertook civilian rescue missions in Afghanistan, a past Navy SEAL, and an ex-Pentagon chief are among the many voices urging Congress to consult a leading Afghan resistance figure while discontinuing any financial support—directly or indirectly—for the Taliban regime in the region.
Around the time of the U.S. withdrawal, Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF), returned to the Panjshir Valley in northern Afghanistan.
In the valley, groups opposing Taliban control endured until they were left with no choice but to escape—Massoud included, who made his way to neighboring Tajikistan. Reports indicate he was accompanied by at least one official from the ousted U.S.-aligned democratic government: former Vice President Amrullah Saleh.
Saleh sought sanctuary in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, from 2021, according to France24 News.
REPUBLICANS EXPRESS OUTRAGE OVER REPORTS THAT BILLIONS IN AFGHAN HUMANITARIAN AID ARE SUPPORTING THE TALIBAN
Chad Robichaux, who participated in perilous civilian rescue operations in Afghanistan—such as evacuating his former interpreter Aziz from potential Taliban execution—indicated that Massoud has been recognized as the principal opposition figure now in exile.
“Massoud represents all our allies over the last two decades—the individuals we abandoned, our commandos, our interpreters, all those who chose to resist and continue the fight…” Robichaux stated. “We have utterly forsaken him, our allies, and the Afghan people.”
He commented that the U.S. government essentially “switched sides” mid-conflict by permitting the Taliban’s resurgence.
Robichaux highlighted reports that indicate billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars have ended up with the Taliban through humanitarian appropriations largely funded by the U.S.
“[O]ur allies are striving to prevent a terrorist attack on the United States. Meanwhile, we’re financing it. It’s absurd,” Robichaux explained, noting that Massoud may possess intelligence crucial in averting another terror attack like 9/11 on American soil.
GOLD STAR MOTHER SLAMS BIDEN’S ‘CAPABILITIES’ ON THE AFGHAN WITHDRAWAL ANNIVERSARY: ‘HE REFUSES TO ASSIST US’
Taliban soldiers maintain a guard in the Panjshir province of northeastern Afghanistan on September 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Mohammad Asif Khan)
Robichaux added that Massoud’s father, sharing the same name, was a prominent anti-Soviet leader who helped the West fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan decades prior.
Robichaux remarked that Usama bin Laden orchestrated the assassination of Massoud’s father shortly before 9/11, recognizing that the U.S. would need a coalition partner in Afghanistan to confront the Taliban.
“Two decades later, his son voices a similar alarm. There’s a looming threat directed at the United States. You folks are funding the Taliban, and they’re preparing a terrorist faction to target America,” Robichaux stated.
He further claimed that Massoud has faced an ambiguous “blacklist” preventing him from visiting the U.S. Hence, Robichaux stressed the necessity for congressional leaders to journey to the Middle East for a meeting with him.
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department to confirm or deny the existence of this blacklist.
Massoud himself expressed that the international community has adopted a policy of appeasement toward the Taliban government, which has not ameliorated the situation.
“We have not seen the Taliban relent on even a single issue,” Massoud asserted. “This policy will have widespread consequences, as it grants the Taliban the opportunity to gain time and fulfill its objectives alongside the 21 other regional and global terror entities.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ahmad Massoud has initiated an effort to form an anti-Taliban coalition aimed at restoring peace in Afghanistan. (Reza/Getty Images)
“To promote a peaceful global environment, a more pragmatic approach that caters to both the Afghan populace and averts a security crisis must be embraced. We need to prioritize the international community’s support, particularly from the U.S., for a legitimate democratic governance based on the will and votes of Afghanistan’s citizens,” he conveyed.
When questioned about the safety of lawmakers if they were to host Massoud abroad, Robichaux stated that another supporter of the petition, retired SEAL and podcast host Shawn Ryan, successfully did so in Austria as a civilian.
Fox News Digital also contacted House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., prior to the formal delivery of the petition, seeking insight into the possibility of Congress convening with Massoud; however, no response was received before press time.
The petition, with Ryan as the primary author, asserts that Massoud’s testimony would illuminate the contemporary situation in Afghanistan and enhance congressional decision-making and funding strategies for the region.
“Additionally, Congress should redirect its financial assistance towards the NRF, thereby restoring vital logistical and aid resources,” the petition argues.
Later in his discussion, Robichaux mentioned that one potential outcome could make his worries regarding the State Department irrelevant: the election of former President Trump.
Robichaux expressed confidence that Trump, who has consistently demonstrated his aversion to appeasing rogue states, would find a solution to prevent U.S. funds from falling into the Taliban’s possession.
“If there’s a threat to the United States, [Trump] would permit our Central Intelligence Agency to perform its duties,” he remarked.
Christopher Miller, the former defense secretary under Trump, claimed that approximately $87 million in U.S. taxpayer funds per week are reaching the Taliban.
“[These are] the very individuals who accounted for the deaths of over 2,400 of our soldiers and injured an additional 21,000-plus, while also harboring the leader of Al Qaeda—this is beyond comprehension and represents stark criminal negligence,” Miller asserted, calling on Congress to hear from Massoud directly.
At least one House representative echoed the sentiment for Massoud to address Congress.
Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., and a former military sniper, noted that Massoud could provide invaluable insights into a region “deeply mired in chaos, further exacerbated by the current administration.”
