Uncertain future

Letter August 26, 2021
What the future holds for Afghanistan is a question that has propped up in the minds of all regional stakeholders

KARACHI:

The rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan has raised the concerns of regional players who have long had strategic interests in the war-torn country. The chaotic withdrawal of foreign troops and the subsequent takeover of Kabul by the Taliban have dramatically altered the security dynamics of the country. The sudden takeover of the Taliban has come as a shock to many of the regional stakeholders that anticipated a peaceful transition of power considering the Doha agreement. However, any prospects of an intra-Afghan dialogue seem unlikely now that the Taliban have taken over. The Taliban have signaled the international community to form a broad-based government in Afghanistan, yet the prospects of inclusive setup in the conflict-ridden country remain elusive. The tumultuous rule of the Taliban continues to haunt both the Afghan people as well as other global actors. The never-ending suffering and human rights violations aggravated the plight of the Afghan people, especially the women. Therefore, many Afghans are desperate to leave the country in the wake of the unanticipated takeover of Kabul by the Taliban.

What the future holds for Afghanistan is a question that has propped up in the minds of all regional stakeholders. Against the backdrop of the current unfolding situation next door, there are certainly many speculations of chronic instability returning to the already war-battered country. Rest assured, the onus chiefly lies on the international stakeholders along with the Afghan factions to forge the path of inclusive political settlement and not let the Afghan land be used as a breeding ground for power politics.

Ammar Aslam Muhammadi

Sukkur

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2021.

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