The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has positioned the nation at a **critical juncture**, facing a severe humanitarian crisis and rising influence from **China, Russia, and Iran**.
Despite past hardships, many Afghans favor engagement with the U.S., viewing it as an opportunity for **empowerment** compared to the extractive approaches of adversarial powers.
The new administration has a chance to **rebuild trust** and cooperation by reopening the consulate in Kabul and establishing **bilateral agreements** for humanitarian aid directly with Afghan organizations.
Emphasizing education and targeting systemic poverty are crucial components of a **recalibrated U.S. strategy**, which should ensure accountability while benefiting the Afghan population.
**Engagement must be pragmatic** and based on measurable outcomes, which could prevent Afghanistan from becoming a geopolitical foothold for adversaries and counter extremism.
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