The @nytimes piece on Sarajuddin Haqqani, one of the main leaders of the Taliban government- with a history of terror attacks, kidnapping, and links with groups such Al-Qaida - posits that he is a “changed man” who can take the Taliban in a new direction. Two points: 1. It is important to recognize that Mr Haaqani is not alone at being open to a more moderate posture and to the West. They include Mullah Yaqub and Mullah Barader, among others, for example, also oppose the restrictions on girls' and women's education. 2. Should the US approach to these leaders be driven by the past and a desire for revenge, or by our interests and objectives going forward? I favor the latter approach, but we need to test their intentions and their ability to deliver. It is too soon to jump to happy conclusions. #Afghanistan @NSA @SecDef @POTUS @realdonaldtrump