War on terror has cost United States a lot and has caused a damp in the budget of US, whether the war was a success or failure is another debate, but today the focus is the situation of Afghanistan. Furthermore, United States after finishing almost all the stronghold of Talibans wanted to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, but trouble keeps spawning it self again and again. The biggest issue is re-emergence of Taliban in the southern provinces and villages, while the inexperienced Afghans army is unable to suppress the increasing control of Talibans, at the same time the higher ups of Talibans movement have killed the chance of reconciliation with the Afghan government. Furthermore, Pakistan remained one of the strongest ally of US despite the friction between the two on the drone strikes carried out by US in the territory of Pakistan. Moreover, US consider these drone strikes necessary for this war, because they target the key leaders of Taliban movement that often take refuge in Pakistan amid the attack of US forces on their strong holds in Afghanistan. while Pakistan claims that these attacks not only harm the sovereignty of the nation, but also claim the lives of innocent. As a result of this mistrust in government is increasing in those areas and anti state elements have risen against Pakistan. Despite all this, Pakistan still stood with US in this war.
Recently a drone attack was carried out in Pakistan, which was successful in taking out its target, the leader of the Taliban movement Mullah Mansoor. Pakistani security authorities claim that security agencies were taken in confidence for the attack, while political authorities are avoiding the issue. On the other hand, India has also been a keen player in the rapprochement of Afghanistan, it has made huge sums of investment in Afghanistan and also contributed in the training of Afghani army among many other projects. Growing influence of India in Afghanistan is causing a tension for Pakistan, due to the strained relations of both countries. Plus, Pakistani claims of Indian involvement and aid to in anti-state elements of Pakistan. Right now, if US tilt toward India the friction between Pakistan and US will increase and Pakistan will shift toward Russia for diplomatic support, which would be devastating for the US. Third option would be Iran, but it would probably be the worst option for US to pursue. First, gaining support from Iran will mean going against the rampant opinion of people of US. Second, Iran is predominantly a Shia country while in Afghanistan the majority of population is Sunni, increasing the influence of Iran in Afghanistan could result in another ISIS or rebirth of Taliban as even more powerful Sunni organization. Third, this could also strain the relations of US and middle east especially Saudi Arabia, who's leadership has been very outspoken against Iran.
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Above analysis shows that US right now is faced with this predicament, it may seem that taking one's side will have its benefits and obviously, and that probably would be the case, but it will be more beneficial for US to prefer Pakistan in this war for the following reasons. First, Pakistan has been the the biggest ally of US beginning from the cold war era till today, from the creation of mujaheddin to the provision of air bases, Pakistan has extended support whenever needed. Second, Pakistan was one of the countries to create and motivate mujaheddin to fight Soviets and after that Pakistan recognize Taliban government as official Afghan government to stop further bloodshed in the country, therefore there are elements in the country which support Taliban movement, who sees them as the Mujaheddin of today, with the stronger support of US, Pakistan can easily eradicate the element supporting Talibans in Pakistan. Third, without support of elements in Pakistan, Talibans will have no choice but to enter into negotiation with the government for Afghan people and Pakistan can spearhead the negotiation, it will be like killing two birds with one arrow, removing anti-US and pro-Taliban elements in Pakistan and stabilizing the Afghan government. Lastly, Afghan people have resentment for Pakistan for using the land of Afghanistan for Soviet war and supporting Taliban government, this act of reconciliation from Pakistan will create a positive image of the country in the minds of a common man in Afghanistan, which will result in good diplomtic relations between the two countries and stability will prevail.
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| US Secretary of State John Kerry, Afghan Ex-President Hamid Karzai, And Pakistani Ex-Army Chief General Parvaiz Kiyani |
