Turkey poised to recognize Taliban as Afghanistan's govt, expected to sign deal to operate Kabul airport after US exit - reports — RT

 NATO member Turkey is reportedly nearing a deal to recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban government and operate the Kabul airport in partnership with Qatar, paving the way for the Islamist group to attract foreign aid and investment.

The agreement is awaiting approval by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and will be finalized once Washington’s exit is completed, the Middle East Eye (MEE) reported on Saturday, citing two unidentified people familiar with the negotiations.

US President Joe Biden has stuck to his plan to complete the withdrawal by August 31, ending the 20-year war, despite a chaotic evacuation process that has been marred by civilian deaths and a terrorist attack that killed nearly 200 people.

One apparent sticking point in Ankara’s talks with the Taliban has been the issue of who will provide airport security. “How can we give the security to you (the Taliban)?” Erdogan told reporters on Saturday.

    How would we explain it to the world if you took over security and there is another bloodbath there? This is not an easy job.

The MEE report indicated that Turkey would provide security through a private contractor, manned by former Turkish soldiers and police. And Turkish special forces would operate in plainclothes to protect the country’s citizens within the airport’s perimeter.

In return, the Taliban would be recognized by Ankara as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.