Deterrence to diplomacy

Pakistan and Afghanistan are unfortunately in a warfare that could come to derail geo-economics and stability of the entire region. The ceasefire holding between them, apparently on the intervention of Qatar, is quite promising and needs to be graduated into a formal thaw. The Afghan authorities are squarely responsible for this mess, and must watch their steps and policies. The insistence on the part of Taliban 2.0 that "no terror" elements are housed in Afghanistan is a blatant lie, and calls for admonishment. It is a universal truth that terrorists are scot-free in Afghanistan and have literally rendered the power writ of the government to a naught, and at the same time are free to choose a timing for their attacks across the border in Pakistan. Kabul had time and again accepted this bitter truth, and the UN too is on record having criticised the war-torn country for its failure to nail down terrorists.

It is, nonetheless, a good omen that both countries have pledged to seek resolution of differences through a dialogue. There is, however, some institutional confusion at work, with both the sides claiming that the ceasefire was requested by the other, and on its agreed duration. This could be for public consumption, though. The point that should be taken notice of is that Pakistan's aerial strikes were necessitated in retaliation as clashes erupted after Afghan fighters targeted Chaman border posts overnight. The response from Islamabad led to striking down of several militant camps in Kandahar city and Spin Boldak, once again confirming the presence of disgruntled elements.

With deterrence having come into play, now is the time for diplomacy. Kabul rather than being carried away with the inroads it has made with Delhi should be wise enough not to injure bilateral tranquility. Pakistan for decades had been a cushion for Afghanistan as it housed millions of refugees, and at times was the sole country speaking for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. This new episode of brinkmanship is surely hurting and unbecoming of a brotherly neighbourhood. Kabul must desist from testing Islamabad's patience.