THE UNWINNABLE WAR

Second, in order to prevent a violent civil war in Afghanistan and Taliban rule, it is up to the people of Afghanistan to put their own house in order. Since King Zahir Shah was deposed in 1973 and monarchy was subsequently abolished, Afghanistan has been in constant turmoil. Four decades of violence, bloodshed and anarchy have left a psychological and social impact on two generations of Afghans and plunged their country into an endless state of armed conflict. Without seeking consensus with local stakeholders, it is impossible to seek a peaceful transition following the projected withdrawal of foreign forces in 2014.Third, the mechanism for a peaceful transition in Afghanistan would require major reforms in the mode of governance, which would demand curbing lawlessness, corruption and nepotism. Unfortunately, the Karzai regime, despite being in power for more than a decade has been unable to ensure rule of law, provide good governance and improve the socio-economic standard of the people. Instead of rectifying visible fault in its mode of governance, President Karzai launched a strong tirade against the United States, accusing it of playing a double game "by fighting a war against Afghan militants rather than their backers in Pakistan where terrorism is financed and manufactured." He also expressed his regrets over "NATO's refusal to supply Afghanistan with modern weapons necessary to fight its enemies." Karzai's remarks against the United States and NATO were strongly rebuffed by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta who said, "Karzai should be grateful that more than 2,000 Americans had died in Afghanistan. These lives were lost fighting the right enemy, not the wrong enemy. And it would be helpful if the president, every once in a while, expressed his thanks for the sacrificesthat have been made by those who have fought and died for Afghanistan rather than criticize." The American outburst against Karzai's critical and rather provocative attack on the United States of playing a "double game" on Afghanistan is a serious issue because a rift between Kabul and Washington during an "uneasy transition," will only further destabilize the situation in the country.Finally, the role of regional players is crucial and critical in the transition phase. Along with the support from Iran, Pakistan, China and its Central Asian neighbors, it is essential that a peacekeeping force composed of neutral Muslim countries is sent to Afghanistan so that prior to the withdrawal of foreign forces, an alternate security arrangement is reached and the possible outbreak of conflict is prevented.The neutral force for Afghanistan should include participation from countries like Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia. The proposed peacekeeping force should have a mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent the outbreak of armed conflicts, demobilization and demil itarization of non-state actors. Furthermore the peacekeeping force should also he responsible for coordinating with the Afghan security forces in curbing cross border incursions.There is no short cut to deal with the Afghan predicament but it is possible to seek a "home grown" solution, which has a local ownership and regional support to ensure peace and stability. Central, South and West Asia will remain vulnerable to instability unless there is peace in Afghanistan. Regardless of tribal, ethnic and sectarian cleavages, the people of Afghanistan should compel their leaders to renounce violence, antagonism and hostility while creating conditions for peace in their country. The task is difficult hut certainly not impossible to accomplish.(The End)