Terror and Taleban are unchecked in Afghanistan. The attack in the remote eastern province of Nuristan, in which eight American and two Afghan soldiers were killed, is a grim reminder of the despicable state of affairs. This attack on coalition troops, almost after a gap of one year, shows how vulnerable foreign troops are to the Taleban.
The militia, which has been gaining in strength, has relocated itself from the restive south to the mountainous east of the country. The opening of a new front must be enough to unnerve strategists in Pentagon and Brussels, not to mention the government in Kabul — each at pains to win an unending war that is plunging the entire ?region into chaos.
What is more astonishing is the manner in which the Taleban has been operating. Apart from claiming responsibility for the attack, the Pakhtoon resurgents have gone to the extent of abducting police personnel. This new approach is far from the hit-and-run strategy usually employed by guerilla forces working from the shadows. It reflects the confidence with which the militia has gained ground — and to a great extent political mileage in the Afghan society. It may be mentioned that the Taleban had refused to take the ballot route, on the presumption that it would not be appropriate, as long as foreign forces are present on its soil. Such a premise, coupled with the fraudulent electoral results, has come as a shot in the arm for resurgents, forcing the coalition forces to desperately look for other avenues to justify their presence in Afghanistan.
The evolving situation poses a litmus test for US President Barack Obama. His policy of defeating and dismantling the enemy in Afghanistan has clearly hit snags. Politically, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to campaign for a prolonged presence in the war-weary country, as public opinion and Congressional assertiveness are blocking his way. Which is why General Stanley Mc Chrystal’s request for 40,000 additional troops has fallen on deaf ears.
Moreover, instability in Afghanistan, exacerbated by political uncertainty created by the presidential poll, has further complicated the situation. It seems the situation on ground can hardly improve without bringing the Taleban on board. Keeping aside issues of political exigency, Washington needs to open a channel of communication with the Taleban, and explore a viable solution. A military solution has not worked in Afghanistan, and it will not work this time ?around, too.
(Courtesy Khaleej Times)
The militia, which has been gaining in strength, has relocated itself from the restive south to the mountainous east of the country. The opening of a new front must be enough to unnerve strategists in Pentagon and Brussels, not to mention the government in Kabul — each at pains to win an unending war that is plunging the entire ?region into chaos.
What is more astonishing is the manner in which the Taleban has been operating. Apart from claiming responsibility for the attack, the Pakhtoon resurgents have gone to the extent of abducting police personnel. This new approach is far from the hit-and-run strategy usually employed by guerilla forces working from the shadows. It reflects the confidence with which the militia has gained ground — and to a great extent political mileage in the Afghan society. It may be mentioned that the Taleban had refused to take the ballot route, on the presumption that it would not be appropriate, as long as foreign forces are present on its soil. Such a premise, coupled with the fraudulent electoral results, has come as a shot in the arm for resurgents, forcing the coalition forces to desperately look for other avenues to justify their presence in Afghanistan.
The evolving situation poses a litmus test for US President Barack Obama. His policy of defeating and dismantling the enemy in Afghanistan has clearly hit snags. Politically, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to campaign for a prolonged presence in the war-weary country, as public opinion and Congressional assertiveness are blocking his way. Which is why General Stanley Mc Chrystal’s request for 40,000 additional troops has fallen on deaf ears.
Moreover, instability in Afghanistan, exacerbated by political uncertainty created by the presidential poll, has further complicated the situation. It seems the situation on ground can hardly improve without bringing the Taleban on board. Keeping aside issues of political exigency, Washington needs to open a channel of communication with the Taleban, and explore a viable solution. A military solution has not worked in Afghanistan, and it will not work this time ?around, too.
(Courtesy Khaleej Times)
