How Regional Powers Are Strengthening Relations with the Taliban
With a looming civil war and he Taliban’s growing control in Afghanistan, the author examines the interactions between the Taliban and many powerful nation states.
The Taliban’s alliance will China and Russia, among others, would signal a threat to the US’s hegemony and India’s influence in the region.
Farewell Afghanistan: Consequences of the US Troop Withdrawal
The author reflects on the possible events and scenarios that will spiral as the September deadline for the US’s departure nears. The article frames a careful analysis of Afghanistan’s future in view of the past courses taken by the Afghan government, the Taliban, the US, and regional states. One matter remains decided, however, and that is the US troop withdrawal.
The Elusive Afghan Peace Process
The US was never really in control of Afghanistan. Trillions of dollars spent, over a 100,000 casualties, & two decades later – the US is now stuck in a stalemate. Negotiating directly with the Taliban via Khalilzad seemed to be helping the US, but the recent change of date for the withdrawal of troops (from May 01 to Sep 11) can potentially hamper the peace process.
India and Pakistan Relations: The Possibility of Peace
India and Pakistan have had hostile relations since the time of their independence. However, the recent remarks by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, during the second day of the Islamabad Security Dialogue, shows Pakistan’s willingness to pursue a détente with India. In the analysis of the statement made by the army chief, the author questions whether peace between the rival states is actually a possibility, and if Pakistan is going through a shift in its institutional thinking.
Warlords in Afghanistan & Its State-building Process
The warlords in Afghanistan have solidified their position as an integral section of Afghanistan’s community. Their status and power has become indispensable to the state-building process in Afghanistan.
Recommendations for the Intra-Afghan Peace Process
Although the intra-Afghan peace process sounds promising on paper for Afghans and vested parties alike, fulfilling it will require serious work. The author considers five possible recommendations that could help achieve the objectives of the Intra-Afghan peace agreement.