Bill Longley
SENIOR MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,661
- Reaction score
- 0
- Country
- Location
Chronicles of Abu Abdul Samad: Taliban Talks; New Phase in Great Game.
The Great game in Central and South Asia is entering into new phase. US have acknowledged that they are backing Karzai government in Talks with Taliban. Syed Saleem Shahzad in exclusive story on Asia times on line dated 15 Oct 2010, revealed that Mullah Brader has been released with consent of US regime so that this good will gesture helps further Karzai Taliban Talks. Interestingly first time US top Genral in Afghanistan, Gen. David Patriace also on same day admitted that (his) troops have facilitated the safe passage of Taliban leaders to Kabul for talks with the government. .
At a time when talks are gaining momentum, US has stepped up its campaign against some Taliban fractions especially Haqqani network. The drone strikes in NWA have seen remarkable increase. On the other had US is pressuring Pakistan to Launch a swat type military operation in NWA. Pakistan has so far resisted such operation because Pakistani troops are all ready fighting in many theaters. Operation in NWA will over stretch Pakistani forces resulting, its gains turning into losses. US know that Pakistan cannot afford right now to go into North Waziristan Agency (NWA).
On the other hand US, and NATO has vacated Posts from Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan. These areas are hub of proto Salfiest Punjpiries during Afghan jihad these areas were under influence of Arab and Foreign militants. US and NATO withdrawal from these locations have provided safe heaven to militants, who are using them for regrouping against Pakistan. This withdrawal has also resulted in Pakistan’s compulsion in keeping troops for counter insurgency operations in all ready cleared areas.
From the momentum of events and Statements coming from Kabul and Washington it is becoming clear that at one side US, and NATO want a settlement with Taliban. May be its because next year NATO will be completing its 10 years mandate in Afghanistan and it will be difficult for US to convince European Powers to extend the mandate due to growing opposition to Afghan war in Europe. Therefore US want quick results.
The pressure against Haqqani network is because of the fact that US wants to talk to Taliban with upper hand. Haqqanies are the most sophisticated amongst Taliban groups. Clipping the wings of Haqqanies will enable US to dictate its terms.
I think from US strategic Posture and construction of its basis in Northern Afghanistan it’s clear that US wants to stay and if Taliban agree on presence of few US bases in Afghanistan then US will have no problem with them .It also appears that in final settlement US will allow Taliban to have influence/ power in Pashtun areas where as non Pashtun areas will serve for US basis to keep an eye on central Asia and especially Chinese dragon.
Will US achieve its goals only time will tell? But one thing is clear it’s not only US wishes which will shape the future, no settlement can be come without the compromise between all major players in the region.
Chronicles of Abu Abdul Samad: Taliban Talks; New Phase in Great Game.
The Great game in Central and South Asia is entering into new phase. US have acknowledged that they are backing Karzai government in Talks with Taliban. Syed Saleem Shahzad in exclusive story on Asia times on line dated 15 Oct 2010, revealed that Mullah Brader has been released with consent of US regime so that this good will gesture helps further Karzai Taliban Talks. Interestingly first time US top Genral in Afghanistan, Gen. David Patriace also on same day admitted that (his) troops have facilitated the safe passage of Taliban leaders to Kabul for talks with the government. .
At a time when talks are gaining momentum, US has stepped up its campaign against some Taliban fractions especially Haqqani network. The drone strikes in NWA have seen remarkable increase. On the other had US is pressuring Pakistan to Launch a swat type military operation in NWA. Pakistan has so far resisted such operation because Pakistani troops are all ready fighting in many theaters. Operation in NWA will over stretch Pakistani forces resulting, its gains turning into losses. US know that Pakistan cannot afford right now to go into North Waziristan Agency (NWA).
On the other hand US, and NATO has vacated Posts from Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan. These areas are hub of proto Salfiest Punjpiries during Afghan jihad these areas were under influence of Arab and Foreign militants. US and NATO withdrawal from these locations have provided safe heaven to militants, who are using them for regrouping against Pakistan. This withdrawal has also resulted in Pakistan’s compulsion in keeping troops for counter insurgency operations in all ready cleared areas.
From the momentum of events and Statements coming from Kabul and Washington it is becoming clear that at one side US, and NATO want a settlement with Taliban. May be its because next year NATO will be completing its 10 years mandate in Afghanistan and it will be difficult for US to convince European Powers to extend the mandate due to growing opposition to Afghan war in Europe. Therefore US want quick results.
The pressure against Haqqani network is because of the fact that US wants to talk to Taliban with upper hand. Haqqanies are the most sophisticated amongst Taliban groups. Clipping the wings of Haqqanies will enable US to dictate its terms.
I think from US strategic Posture and construction of its basis in Northern Afghanistan it’s clear that US wants to stay and if Taliban agree on presence of few US bases in Afghanistan then US will have no problem with them .It also appears that in final settlement US will allow Taliban to have influence/ power in Pashtun areas where as non Pashtun areas will serve for US basis to keep an eye on central Asia and especially Chinese dragon.
Will US achieve its goals only time will tell? But one thing is clear it’s not only US wishes which will shape the future, no settlement can be come without the compromise between all major players in the region.
Chronicles of Abu Abdul Samad: Taliban Talks; New Phase in Great Game.
Last edited: