WASHINGTON (AP) — The Taliban’s takeover of Kabul has deepened the mutual distrust between the US and Pakistan, two putative allies who have tangled over Afghanistan. With the Biden administration looking for new ways to stop terrorist threats in Afghanistan, it will likely look again to Pakistan, which remains critical to US intelligence and national security because of its proximity to Afghanistan and connections to the Taliban leaders now in charge. And Pakistan wants US military aid and good relations with Washington, even as its leaders openly celebrate the Taliban’s rise to power. Burns and Hameed have also separately visited Kabul in recent weeks to meet with Taliban leaders. The CIA sent weapons and money into Afghanistan through Pakistan.
