Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghan peace, has posted a cryptic message on X following a wave of criticism over his recent remarks.
In a graphic he shared—styled like a Hollywood movie poster—a man wearing a helmet rides a motorcycle heroically through flames. The caption reads: “Some people want to see you defeated, but disappoint them with your victory.”
The photo Zalmay Khalilzad posted on his X account.
Khalilzad suggested the phrase offers “an interesting perspective” on recent developments in Afghanistan. Many observers, however, view him as the chief architect of the Doha Agreement, which paved the way for the Taliban’s return to power.
In recent days, Khalilzad has commented on opposition meetings in Islamabad even more frequently than Taliban officials themselves. The gathering—initially scheduled for August 25–26 and including figures he described as “seeking to overthrow the Taliban”—has been postponed by a month.
The group Women for Afghanistan, led by Fawzia Koofi, welcomed the delay, writing on X that it allows the conference to be held “with greater depth and inclusivity.”
According to the organizers, the two-day event will bring together political groups, civil society members, women’s rights activists, and journalist associations. Its stated goal is to “strengthen mutual understanding, enhance coordination, and define common principles to achieve stability, rule of law, and an elected government.”
