On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, delivered a stern and resolute address during the graduation ceremony of the 17th cohort of cadets from the Hazrat Mu‘adh bin Jabal (RA) National Military Academy, held under the auspices of the Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (RA) National Defense University.
Kabul 24: The event marked the completion of training for a new group of soldiers from the Ministry of National Defense.In his speech, Mullah Baradar congratulated the graduates on their professional development and urged them to steadfastly defend Islamic principles, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate pursues peaceful and constructive relations with other countries based on mutual respect and Islamic values, but will not tolerate any aggression or ill intentions toward Afghanistan.
Addressing those harboring hostile designs, he declared: “If anyone harbors malicious intentions toward Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate will personally take revenge.
We harm no one, and we allow no one to harm us.” He stressed that the Emirate remains committed to dialogue and cooperation within the framework of its principles, calling on nations to engage accordingly in political and economic spheres.
Using a powerful Quranic metaphor, Mullah Baradar described Afghanistan vividly: “Afghanistan is not a juicy, easy morsel to swallow, but rather the tree of Zaqqum—the tree mentioned in the Holy Quran whose fruit is intensely bitter, scorching, and unbearable. History bears witness that this land has made the throats of great and ancient empires bitter, forcing them to their knees.
Even newborns or unborn enemies could never digest it.”This striking analogy directly references the repeated historical failures of major powers to subdue Afghanistan, from ancient empires to more recent foreign interventions.
By invoking the tree of Zaqqum—a symbol of severe punishment and torment in Islamic scripture—Mullah Baradar underscored the country’s enduring resilience and the futility of aggression against it.
The remarks were delivered amid the Islamic Emirate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international ties while firmly upholding its red lines on security and independence.
Reflecting growing confidence in the Taliban’s military and administrative consolidation, the speech sent a clear message to any external or internal actors contemplating interference: Afghanistan will not be easily consumed—it remains a bitter, indigestible reality for its adversaries.
