Why is a Terrorist Leader Traveling Freely?

 

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the head of the Haqqani Network in Afghanistan, is one of the United States' most wanted terrorists. However, he recently took a trip to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia with no issues. The Haqqani Network is blamed for killing thousands, including many Americans. So why was Haqqani allowed to travel when he has a $10 million bounty on his head from the FBI?

It seems the UAE and Saudi Arabia did not stop Haqqani from entering their countries. He met with leaders in the UAE and then went to Saudi Arabia to take part in an Islamic religious pilgrimage. The Biden administration could have pressured these countries not to let Haqqani visit since he is on the UN terrorism list. But the US was quiet about his travels. Now some experts worry this signals that the international community may soon recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. 

Haqqani is more than just a Taliban leader - he has close ties to al Qaeda terrorists as well. Allowing him to travel freely could help al Qaeda operations. They still have training camps in Afghanistan and may use these connections to the Haqqani Network to train new extremists. This could repeat the issues of the late 1990s when al Qaeda grew strong under the Taliban's protection. 

Letting a leader who caused harm to American troops travel without trouble also sends the wrong message. Many US veterans who fought in Afghanistan see this as disrespecting their sacrifices and comrades who died battling the Haqqani Network. The Biden administration needs to consider how its policies affect the mental health and views of those who served. Meeting with designated terrorists should not be accepted. More needs to be done to enhance security against such threats.