Triangular interests

Kabul has suffered major terrorist attacks as has Pakistan, the most recent one being in Attock

Regional stability is in the best interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, not to mention the several other countries that have stakes in the region. Stability can only begin to be reached by adequate security apparatuses in both countries. Pentagon chief spokesperson Dana White’s recent comments regarding America’s goal in Afghanistan and opportunities for Pakistan offer intriguing insights about future directions that might be taken but trigger nerves as years of war later, the ideals of stability remain distant dreams, which have impacted Pakistan in many negative ways.

Of late, Kabul has suffered major terrorist attacks, such as at voting centres, with scores of people killed. Following a similar timeline, attacks in Pakistan were also experienced by security forces, with the most recent one being in Attock. According to the Pentagon spokesperson, the US goal is to coerce the enemies into a political solution. This is puzzling as where previously negotiations with terrorists was never on the table. The plan appears to be one that will ultimately follow patterns of talks with them. Policies appear to flip-flop. As for Pakistan, it is crucial for us to know what the US endgame plan is. The US solution in Afghanistan should ultimately consist of withdrawing US troops but they must be phased out slowly. US security forces are part of the security defence mechanism in Afghanistan and appropriate exit strategies must hence be developed.

As far as strategies go, all three countries must consider recent statistics by a US military watchdog elucidating that suicide attacks increased by 50 per cent in 2017 in Afghanistan. Further, only 65 per cent of citizens live under government control while insurgents continue to make headway over the rest. The US opportunities for Pakistan must be examined properly considering that Kabul has lacked political will and exists under precarious circumstances.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2018.

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