Kompromat
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By Itrat Naqvi |
After almost two years of massive withdrawal of US/ NATO forces from Afghanistan, the country still remains an important frontline state in the struggle against terrorism. At present, there are more US military forces deployed there than to any other active combat zone (Syria and Iraq), and a panoply of terrorist groups—from the Taliban to Al Qaeda and ISIS—remain intact in Afghanistan. Despite altering various strategies, US has failed to bring peace in Afghanistan. The reason is very simple: US is trying to impose peace in Afghanistan through use of force, which is impossible.
Drone operations are resumed in Afghanistan after Trump. Newly elected US President Donald Trump has also committed to surge troops presence in Afghanistan during telephonic conversation with Afghan President. US Army Gen. Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command also hinted at increase in number of troops in Afghanistan. During a congressional committee hearing Votel stated that, "I do believe it will involve additional forces to make the advise-and-assist mission more effective, adding that the new forces would require developing a new strategy as well.” US continued emphasis on kinetics suggests future US strategy will be largely based on use of force and more boots on ground. This strategy is more likely to fail as it yielded no results in past 16 years.
For Pakistan, peace in Afghanistan has become a pre-requisite for peace and stability in Pakistan largely due to porous border and presence of Pashtuns on both sides of the border. For America, it is just another war, for Pakistan the GWOT has become war of survival due to increased Indian presence in Afghanistan at behest of US. India is using Afghan soil and Afghan government to create turmoil and spread terror inside Pakistan. Hence, for Pakistan formulation of a strategy to bring peace in Afghanistan has become an utmost priority. The closure of border with Afghanistan has yielded positive results but this is not a permanent solution. Closure of border is hampering economic activities in the region which (economic prosperity) is second biggest problem of the region.
Pakistan alongwith China and Russia has renewed efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. What has compelled Pakistan and Russia to join hands is apprehensions that the US may not be interested in bringing stability to Afghanistan for its own strategic interests. Newly appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to US Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has presented a formula for bringing peace in Afghanistan. The formula he presented included five key points: no military solution; better relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan; better border management; repatriation of Afghan refugees; and taking forward the reconciliation process. In a recent briefing to National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz stated that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of strengthening relations with Afghanistan. He added that a "military solution" to the Afghan conflict was not possible and focused efforts were needed for a politically negotiated settlement to ensure lasting peace. In this regard, Pakistan remained committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process.
The formula presented by Pakistan’s ambassador to US is pre-requisite for peace in Afghanistan. US strategy of more boots on ground has boomeranged in the past. US Department of Defense announced that at least 2,248 members of its military had died in Afghanistan since 2001. The use of force has resulted in more violence in Afghanistan and it has proved counterproductive to Afghan peace. Recent statements by US and Pakistani officials suggests there is stark difference of opinion between the two states for bringing peace in Afghanistan. Being immediate neighbors, terrorism is a common threat. The Afghan government should stop blaming Pakistan for all its problems. Peace in the region must be negotiated by involving all stakeholders. Close cooperation and enhanced intelligence sharing is key to address rising militancy and terror in the region.
After almost two years of massive withdrawal of US/ NATO forces from Afghanistan, the country still remains an important frontline state in the struggle against terrorism. At present, there are more US military forces deployed there than to any other active combat zone (Syria and Iraq), and a panoply of terrorist groups—from the Taliban to Al Qaeda and ISIS—remain intact in Afghanistan. Despite altering various strategies, US has failed to bring peace in Afghanistan. The reason is very simple: US is trying to impose peace in Afghanistan through use of force, which is impossible.
Drone operations are resumed in Afghanistan after Trump. Newly elected US President Donald Trump has also committed to surge troops presence in Afghanistan during telephonic conversation with Afghan President. US Army Gen. Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command also hinted at increase in number of troops in Afghanistan. During a congressional committee hearing Votel stated that, "I do believe it will involve additional forces to make the advise-and-assist mission more effective, adding that the new forces would require developing a new strategy as well.” US continued emphasis on kinetics suggests future US strategy will be largely based on use of force and more boots on ground. This strategy is more likely to fail as it yielded no results in past 16 years.
For Pakistan, peace in Afghanistan has become a pre-requisite for peace and stability in Pakistan largely due to porous border and presence of Pashtuns on both sides of the border. For America, it is just another war, for Pakistan the GWOT has become war of survival due to increased Indian presence in Afghanistan at behest of US. India is using Afghan soil and Afghan government to create turmoil and spread terror inside Pakistan. Hence, for Pakistan formulation of a strategy to bring peace in Afghanistan has become an utmost priority. The closure of border with Afghanistan has yielded positive results but this is not a permanent solution. Closure of border is hampering economic activities in the region which (economic prosperity) is second biggest problem of the region.
Pakistan alongwith China and Russia has renewed efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. What has compelled Pakistan and Russia to join hands is apprehensions that the US may not be interested in bringing stability to Afghanistan for its own strategic interests. Newly appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to US Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has presented a formula for bringing peace in Afghanistan. The formula he presented included five key points: no military solution; better relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan; better border management; repatriation of Afghan refugees; and taking forward the reconciliation process. In a recent briefing to National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz stated that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of strengthening relations with Afghanistan. He added that a "military solution" to the Afghan conflict was not possible and focused efforts were needed for a politically negotiated settlement to ensure lasting peace. In this regard, Pakistan remained committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process.
The formula presented by Pakistan’s ambassador to US is pre-requisite for peace in Afghanistan. US strategy of more boots on ground has boomeranged in the past. US Department of Defense announced that at least 2,248 members of its military had died in Afghanistan since 2001. The use of force has resulted in more violence in Afghanistan and it has proved counterproductive to Afghan peace. Recent statements by US and Pakistani officials suggests there is stark difference of opinion between the two states for bringing peace in Afghanistan. Being immediate neighbors, terrorism is a common threat. The Afghan government should stop blaming Pakistan for all its problems. Peace in the region must be negotiated by involving all stakeholders. Close cooperation and enhanced intelligence sharing is key to address rising militancy and terror in the region.
