KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — The United States has sharply criticized the UN General Assembly’s July 7 resolution on Afghanistan, with U.S. Representative Jonathan Shrier denouncing it as a reward for Taliban failures.
Shrier voted against the measure—one of only two opposing votes (alongside Israel)—arguing that it “rewards the Taliban’s failure with more engagement and more resources” and expressed doubts the group would meet international expectations.
He emphasized that nearly four years after the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, ongoing talks with their so-called officials have produced no tangible improvements and urged that without meaningful outcomes, further involvement is unjustified.
Shrier also took issue with provisions acknowledging refugee-hosting neighbors, accusing Iran of executing Afghan refugees “at an alarming rate without due process” and forcibly conscripting others into militias.
He said that for decades the US shouldered the burden of supporting the Afghan people with time, money and, most important, American lives. It is time for the Taliban to step up. The US will no longer enable their heinous behavior.
Regarding terrorism and humanitarian concerns, Shrier stressed that the resolution’s call for engaging the Taliban without demanding results only rewards failure and risks enabling continued oppression of women and girls. He said the existing approach is unsustainable and lacks clear mechanisms for accountability.
The UN General Assembly’s resolution, passed by a vote of 116 in favor, 2 against, and 12 abstentions, urges the Taliban to reverse oppressive policies—especially those targeting women and girls—adhere to international law, and act decisively against terrorist groups like al‑Qaida and ISIS.
The resolution also acknowledges the ongoing humanitarian crisis and applauds countries like Iran and Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees.
The U.S. Representative argued that supporting humanitarian engagement without guarantees undermines leverage, and that continued dialogue with the Taliban should be conditional on verifiable improvements, otherwise the world is merely reinforcing their failures with resources and legitimacy.
