Afghanistan, Sept. 12 -- Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad said the United States' primary interest in Afghanistan is preventing the country from once again becoming a base for terrorist groups that could threaten America, while urging Washington to remain engaged in Afghanistan rather than leave the field to rival powers.
Speaking in a video published on Saturday, Khalilzad said the U.S. wants to avoid Afghanistan descending back into "chaos and disorder," arguing that instability would create conditions for extremist groups to regroup and threaten American interests. He said continued engagement with Afghanistan serves Washington's long-term strategic and security objectives.
Khalilzad also argued that Afghanistan's economic develop...