Key Diplomat Says Do Not Underestimate Afghan Security Forces

WASHINGTON - U.S. lawmakers worried about the impending withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan got a dose of cautious optimism from the diplomat who helped negotiate last year's deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the upcoming pullout. "As the #Taliban seek to end their chapter of animosity w/the United States, they must know to move forward they cannot continue to hold an American hostage" per @US4AfghanPeace "I have repeatedly demanded the Taliban release of #MarkFrerichs" "The #Taliban have taken several positive steps" when it comes to terrorism, per @US4AfghanPeace "But we are pressing for more" (1/4) In light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul, the @StateDept has approved Ordered Departure status affecting a relatively small number of employees at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul effective immediately. We do not anticipate any changes to our operations. https://t.co/hHZdr1uxVO New: Two B-52 bombers arrive at #AlUdeid Air Base in #Qatar " to protect US & coalition forces as they conduct drawdown operations from #Afghanistan" per @USAFCENT This is in addition to the 2 B-52s sent to the region last week... pic.twitter.com/8p3RUX8Tf1 NEW: "We've actually got a very good backbone of a plan" for May 1, @CENTCOM Commander Gen Kenneth McKenzie tells @AEI Says US military presence to be minimal, to protect @USEmbassyKabul

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States' special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, telling members that while the Taliban have not quite lived up to all aspects of their agreement, the country's future is far from lost. "I do not believe that the government is going to collapse, that the Taliban is going to take over," Khalilzad said. "I don't personally believe that there will be an imminent collapse." "It would be a mistake in my judgment to dismiss the Afghan security forces as not being a credible force that could perform well, although they will face more difficult circumstances," he added.