Sarah Adams, a former senior officer of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, has sharply criticized U.S. policy toward the Taliban in response to the presence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, acting Minister of Interior of the Taliban, and Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of Taliban intelligence, in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, Ms. Adams stated that individuals whom she described as being on international terrorist lists are now traveling for Hajj using resources funded by American taxpayers.
She further alleged that the United States has supported a process that has allowed these individuals and their family members to travel to Saudi Arabia.
The former intelligence official also added that individuals who, according to her, were engaged in fighting against U.S. forces during the two-decade war are now benefiting from assistance and financial resources.
Sarah Adams has repeatedly criticized Washington’s policy toward the Taliban in recent years, characterizing it as misguided and costly. She also warned a few days earlier that engagement with what she calls the “Taliban regime” could entail serious consequences.
These remarks come amid the recent circulation on social media of an image of Abdul Haq Wasiq during a meeting with Syria’s Foreign Minister. In the image, the head of Taliban intelligence is seen wearing ihram garments.
Reports indicate that Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abdul Haq Wasiq also met with certain foreign officials during their visit to Saudi Arabia, although the details and substance of these meetings have not yet been officially disclosed.
These two Taliban officials have previously undertaken foreign trips, officially described as being for the purpose of performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
Some observers believe that these visits are not solely religious in nature and may also involve political and security consultations, although no verified official information has been released in this regard.
Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abdul Haq Wasiq remain on the United Nations Security Council sanctions list, and their foreign travel requires approval from the Security Council’s sanctions committee. Under UN mechanisms, this committee reviews and decides on applications for travel exemptions.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
