CriticalThought
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Over the past few decades, Afghanistan has been central to the Pak/US relationship. The story of miscalculations and missteps from both sides is saddening but very much real. As it stands today, the relationship is shaped and guided by follies of the past. In this background, the newly elected president Donald Trump brings fresh possibilities. Proper leverage of these refreshing changes can lead to a new era of cooperation amongst these two allies who find their interests widely divergent.
A central promise in Donald Trump's campaign was a less interventionist America. It remains to be seen how this translates to policy in Afghanistan, but for the sake of analysis, let us assume that Mr. Trump would be very interested in any proposal that results in bringing back all American forces from their foreign misadventure.
Enter Pakistan. With the upcoming change in the White House where the 'old guard' is bowing out, Pakistan has the golden opportunity to present a case for mutual interests. For long, Pakistan has been accused of double dealing, back stabbing, and in general working against American interests. This can change if both countries sit on the table as equal partners: Pakistan providing boots on the ground, and the US providing the funding. Let us analyze how and why this could work.
It is common knowledge that Pakistan has considerable leverage with the Taliban. If Pakistan was to take a more active role in stabilizing Afghanistan, it would come in the form of proper training and arming of the Taliban and organizing them into a proper functioning government. Such an outcome ties well with Pakistan's own internal security objectives. Pakistan has a vested interest in making this happen.
In the aftermath of Zarb-e-Azb, the major threat being faced by Pakistan is from terror camps and hideouts lying inside Afghanistan. As these terrorist elements continue their offensive, it will become imperative for Pak Army to address the problem at its source. But Pakistan's active role in forming a friendly government on its western borders can preempt such drastic measures.
The process of stabilizing Afghanistan will be long and arduous. Given Pakistan's current logistic capabilities, replacing American troops with Pakistani boots on the ground will need to be carefully planned. Logically, the process would start in Afghan provinces adjacent to our western border and slowly - yet surely - proceed to the rest of Afghanistan.
In conclusion, if Pakistan desires security, it needs to be willing and able to work for that security. Such a forward looking approach requires broad consensus between civilians and military. Whether our politicians and generals will rise to the occasion and grasp the opportunity while it lasts remains to be seen.
A central promise in Donald Trump's campaign was a less interventionist America. It remains to be seen how this translates to policy in Afghanistan, but for the sake of analysis, let us assume that Mr. Trump would be very interested in any proposal that results in bringing back all American forces from their foreign misadventure.
Enter Pakistan. With the upcoming change in the White House where the 'old guard' is bowing out, Pakistan has the golden opportunity to present a case for mutual interests. For long, Pakistan has been accused of double dealing, back stabbing, and in general working against American interests. This can change if both countries sit on the table as equal partners: Pakistan providing boots on the ground, and the US providing the funding. Let us analyze how and why this could work.
It is common knowledge that Pakistan has considerable leverage with the Taliban. If Pakistan was to take a more active role in stabilizing Afghanistan, it would come in the form of proper training and arming of the Taliban and organizing them into a proper functioning government. Such an outcome ties well with Pakistan's own internal security objectives. Pakistan has a vested interest in making this happen.
In the aftermath of Zarb-e-Azb, the major threat being faced by Pakistan is from terror camps and hideouts lying inside Afghanistan. As these terrorist elements continue their offensive, it will become imperative for Pak Army to address the problem at its source. But Pakistan's active role in forming a friendly government on its western borders can preempt such drastic measures.
The process of stabilizing Afghanistan will be long and arduous. Given Pakistan's current logistic capabilities, replacing American troops with Pakistani boots on the ground will need to be carefully planned. Logically, the process would start in Afghan provinces adjacent to our western border and slowly - yet surely - proceed to the rest of Afghanistan.
In conclusion, if Pakistan desires security, it needs to be willing and able to work for that security. Such a forward looking approach requires broad consensus between civilians and military. Whether our politicians and generals will rise to the occasion and grasp the opportunity while it lasts remains to be seen.
