US should focus on new threats, challenges: Khalilzad — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, says the most intense phase of the war on terrorism has passed and Washington should now focus its attention and efforts on the major threats and challenges of the current era. In a message posted on his X account marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Khalilzad said the attacks changed US national strategy and made the war on terrorism the central focus of the country’s national strategy. He said the United States achieved “major successes” in the war and significantly weakened al-Qaeda. However, he said the most difficult phase of the fight against terrorism is now over and the US should turn its attention to emerging threats. Khalilzad identified China’s rise, the artificial intelligence revolution, uncertainty over the future of Europe, Russia and India, and instability in the Middle East as among the major challenges of the current era. He said China is seeking to become the world’s dominant power and that the AI revolution could significantly affect the balance of power between Washington and Beijing, as well as the future of wars and conflicts. Khalilzad warned that leading countries should not focus only on their “last war” but must also pay attention to new risks and challenges emerging before them.