Zalmay Khalilzad

“We went to Afghanistan to protect our interests, not to nation-build.”

“I remain hopeful for the future of Afghanistan.”

“We cannot change the past, but we can change the future.”

“The choice is not between a forever war and this deal. The choice is between this deal and a worse war.”

“Our goal is a peace agreement, not a withdrawal agreement.”

“The problems of Afghanistan can only be solved by Afghans themselves.”

“A political settlement is the only way to end the war.”

“Reconciliation will not be easy.”

“The current government is dysfunctional. The security situation is deteriorating.”

“I think there is a new Taliban.”

“We want a new Afghanistan that is a part of the international community, not a country that is a threat to its neighbors and a base for terrorism.”

“We have to be realistic about what is possible.”

“The Taliban have to demonstrate that they are a political entity, not a terrorist group.”