In a letter to Congress on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said he would officially rescind Afghanistan’s designation as a major non-NATO ally.
In the document, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the President wrote: “Pursuant to Section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 USC 2321k), I am giving notice of my intention to terminate the designation of Afghanistan as a important non-NATO ally.”
The designation was established in 2012, which paved the way for the two countries to maintain an economic and defense relationship. Then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the classification during a visit to Kabul.
Unlike NATO allies, which are bound by a joint defense pact, there is no guarantee of mutual defense as a non-NATO ally. These allies are eligible to receive loans for materials and supplies, as well as serving as a location for US-owned war reserve stockpiles. In addition, private companies in the designated country may bid for contracts for the maintenance, repair, or overhaul of US military equipment abroad.
Allied status made Afghanistan eligible for military training and assistance, including expediting the sale and rental of military equipment, even after NATO troops left the country.
With Afghanistan’s status rescinded, the US will have 18 major non-NATO allies, according to the State Department. They are: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Qatar, Colombia, South Korea, Egypt, Philippines, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand and Tunisia.
The US designated Colombia and Qatar as non-NATO allies earlier this year.
The change in Afghanistan’s status follows Biden’s withdrawal of US troops from the country last year, ending nearly 20 years of war.
Afghanistan quickly fell into the hands of the Taliban, who have repeatedly assured the international community that they will protect the rights of women in the country, while stripping away many of their freedoms and protections.
Source: CNN Brasil
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