Afghan Turmoil

The region South Asia is located at a strategic point of the world. Its strategic locations is compelling leading international powers not to ignore the pivot of this region. The countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan makes this region more worth able as far as geo-strategic policy is concern. Major chunk of world’s population, defense and economy is present in this region. The sea route Strait of Harmoz is witnessing the passage of world’s 60% oil through this route. These strategic points are compelling other countries to show their dominance in this region to accomplish their political, economic and strategic objectives.

Afghanistan is another country in this region, which is known for the graveyard of major powers such as Russia and USA. Both Russia and USA have been defeated in Afghanistan despite having world’s most sophisticated technology and armed forces. Since the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, Afghans have seen unprecedented violence. Entire nation has suffered because of the ongoing ‘US war on Terror’ after 9/11 attacks in which Afghans had no role. Pakistan has been critical of the military centered heavy handed solution of Afghan issue form the onset. However, after suffering heavy losses in men and material, US led coalition has got convinced to give peaceful conflict resolution a chance. Efforts have materialized and Afghans are close to achieving peace despite barriers from spoilers who are striving to guard their interests.

After suffering terrible due to the presence and war of NATO troops against Taliban, Afghan people are witnessing bleak future of the country. Despite US-Taliban peace deal, the war is not ending and going on with more lethal attacks by Taliban on Afghan security and defense forces. All major stakeholders are trying their utmost to convince Taliban for ceasefire in the country and staging final round of negotiation with warring Afghan parties. There is no doubt that the deal between Taliban and US has given hope to the peace interlocutors. Recently, US defense department announced that not a single of service member killed in Afghanistan since the deal with Taliban. This is indeed an optimistic news.

Entire world in general and Afghans in particular have had a sigh of relief after successful start of Doha peace process, made possible through sincere Pakistani efforts. The role of Pakistan is now being acknowledged at international level with deep sincerity. Pakistan has successfully convinced Taliban to initiate negotiations with Afghan government directly to resolve their differences through peaceful way, which should be acceptable to both sides.

Likewise, there are spoilers who don’t want to see peace process flourishing. They are creating hurdles in the way of peace process and promoting chaos and anarchy in Afghanistan. These steps by spoilers must not go unnoticed. US and other countries who have stakes in Afghanistan must have an eye on those countries having negative intentions for the fate of Afghanistan. Spoilers are making efforts to derail the second phase of Intra Afghan negotiations, however, steadfastness and patience displayed by Taliban has defeated bad designs. Taliban have already hinted at prospects of a new/interim Islamic Government with a role of all stake holders.

The new Biden administration should also devise comprehensive strategy to expedite peace process and withdrawal of its troops as mentioned in the peace deal with Taliban. The US policy makers must also have consistent check on those states/ actors working proactively to derail the peace process. However, efforts of spoilers have badly suffered after new US administration under President Biden has decided to continue with Zalmay Khalilzad to oversee peace efforts proceed as designed. Mr. Khalilzad has done tremendous job for the peace in Afghanistan.

On its part, Pakistan is doing perfectly what it can do for the peaceful and economically stable Afghanistan. Pakistani political and military leadership both are on the same page when it comes to peace in Afghanistan. Economically, Pakistan is extending its best possible support to Afghanistan. Pakistani support for the peace process gives a hint of its shared future together as conjoined twins. New developments related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provide unique trade and corridor connectivity opportunities to Afghans. Pakistan also offered Afghanistan to get benefits out of CPEC for its economic gains. Afghan government must utilize CPEC to further strengthen its dwindling economy. Shared development prospects will convert already existing strong people to people bondage based on historical cultural and social linkages.

The leaders of Afghan Northern Alliance such as Abdullah Abdullah and Vice President Amar Ullah Saleh are not happy with the recent political developments in the country which are supported by US and Pakistan jointly. Historically, the Northern Alliance had remained against Pakistan. They worked closely with Indian government to malign Pakistan. The history is once again repeating itself as VP Amar Ullah Saleh criticized Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process over flimsy grounds. Unfortunately, Amrullah Saleh continue to spread havoc on fellow countrymen through their support to hired killers and gangs like ISKP. Afghan govt led Special Forces have been found involved in target killings of journalists, released Taliban prisoners and innocent Madrassa students.

Indian government is trying to create differences within different Afghan ethnic community. These Indian efforts are creating unrest and chaos in the country. India has been claiming friendship with Afghans however, at the same time it has also contributing in further dividing Afghan nation through encouraging violence and discouraging peace efforts. Indian influence contributed in increased violence through their pawns like Saleh.