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Can Ghani and Modi stop the Taliban’s perpetual-motion war machine?

pakistani342

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Article written by Praveen Swami (same guy who has the annoying screechy tv show?) article here, excerpts below:

...

This much is clear: the new news from Afghanistan is not good. Three of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals—Tarin Kot in Uruzgan, Lashkar Gah in Helmand, and Kunduz—are under direct Taliban siege. The Government admits nine districts of the country’s 398—Now Zad, Musa Qala, Bagran, and Dishu in Helmand; Warduj and Yamgan in Badakhshan; Kohistanat district in Sar-i Pul; Nawa in Ghazni; and Khak Afghan in Zabul. Forty more, it says, are “heavily contested”.

...

President Ghani and Prime Minister Modi know the big problem here is Pakistan. For years now, Afghan leaders have been demanding Pakistan crack down on the Taliban, who operate with impunity from its cities. The much-vaunted Afghanistan-India-United States diplomatic axis is among a number of efforts meant to push Pakistan in that direction.

There’s good reason to suspect, though, that this high-diplomatic manoeuvring will amount to nothing. Islamabad has refused to act against the Taliban because it is in its best interests not to do so. Pakistan’s military sees the Taliban as allies who protect the country from its affiliates and partners, notably al-Qaeda, and some factions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban.

United States of America diplomats have become increasingly frustrated with Pakistan’s conduct—but there’s no stomach in Washington for actions that would punish the Pakistani state for its complicity with terror. No one wants to risk weakening a state with nuclear weapons: hideous as the status-quo is, western leaders see it as preferable to all the other options.

...

The long war that began on 9/11, it appears likely, is certain to remain mired in stalemate for many years to come—only this stalemate is not still, its relentless march fuelled each day by human blood.
 
There’s good reason to suspect, though, that this high-diplomatic manoeuvring will amount to nothing.


In short, Afghans are being taken for a ride by their own accord. The Indians know nothing is going to come out of this venture except they feel Afghanistan can further their national interests. Afghanistan gets 4 helicopters and an outer space agreement.

One has to remember the reasoning behind Afghan and Iraq invasion. It was summed up by Thomas Friedman in his now infamous op-ed 'Because We Could'. Its a hate-laden narrative but what is striking is that how wrong the entire venture was. Its not surprising that it hasn't bear any fruits.
 
In short, Afghans are being taken for a ride by their own accord. The Indians know nothing is going to come out of this venture except they feel Afghanistan can further their national interests. Afghanistan gets 4 helicopters and an outer space agreement.

One has to remember the reasoning behind Afghan and Iraq invasion. It was summed up by Thomas Friedman in his now infamous op-ed 'Because We Could'. Its a hate-laden narrative but what is striking is that how wrong the entire venture was. Its not surprising that it hasn't bear any fruits.

Thank you for the article -- Thomas Friedman says what no man can sometimes.

@A-Team -- I'd highly recommend reading the article listed here -- 'Because We Could'.
 
Chai walla and an ex banker would stop the Afghan Taliban which the yanks and combined NATO failed to do so miserably. Some one need to nuke bollywood , it is effecting the mental capacity of Indians as a nation.
Itne phuke hue ho tum log ki gali galoj karne lage ho...
 
Its a shame that after so much bluster by Indian fan boys they transferred none of the weapons they promised to the Afghans
 
Article written by Praveen Swami (same guy who has the annoying screechy tv show?) article here, excerpts below:

...

This much is clear: the new news from Afghanistan is not good. Three of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals—Tarin Kot in Uruzgan, Lashkar Gah in Helmand, and Kunduz—are under direct Taliban siege. The Government admits nine districts of the country’s 398—Now Zad, Musa Qala, Bagran, and Dishu in Helmand; Warduj and Yamgan in Badakhshan; Kohistanat district in Sar-i Pul; Nawa in Ghazni; and Khak Afghan in Zabul. Forty more, it says, are “heavily contested”.

...

President Ghani and Prime Minister Modi know the big problem here is Pakistan. For years now, Afghan leaders have been demanding Pakistan crack down on the Taliban, who operate with impunity from its cities. The much-vaunted Afghanistan-India-United States diplomatic axis is among a number of efforts meant to push Pakistan in that direction.

There’s good reason to suspect, though, that this high-diplomatic manoeuvring will amount to nothing. Islamabad has refused to act against the Taliban because it is in its best interests not to do so. Pakistan’s military sees the Taliban as allies who protect the country from its affiliates and partners, notably al-Qaeda, and some factions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban.

United States of America diplomats have become increasingly frustrated with Pakistan’s conduct—but there’s no stomach in Washington for actions that would punish the Pakistani state for its complicity with terror. No one wants to risk weakening a state with nuclear weapons: hideous as the status-quo is, western leaders see it as preferable to all the other options.

...

The long war that began on 9/11, it appears likely, is certain to remain mired in stalemate for many years to come—only this stalemate is not still, its relentless march fuelled each day by human blood.

Praveen Swami is unnecessarily getting hysterical-

India itself has a long history of dealing with Insurgencies, I doubt If Ghani is foolish enough to think they can change things as quickly- Let alone Modi as an experienced Politician in India-

The aim should be to keep control on important economic centers and develop trade and commerce with CIS, Iran and China, later India- And Pakistan is doing a pretty good Job by deporting Afghans and closing borders and earning quiet a reputation among Afghans with Taliban attacking Civilians in important cities-

Taliban should be allowed to do what It is doing- wasting resources on the them in attempt to Hammer them out in one go is not wise, something which Soviets tried with Mujahedeens- It would be playing their game- The solution to this is counter insurgency and proper PR war making the infiltrators unpopular- Already there has been cases of Punjabi Militia dominating numbers at Kunduz- It might take decades depending upon Pakistan's impatience to reach proper solution and integrating Afghan Taliban in the mainstream-

The Key areas should be improving on Governance, battling corruption etc- meeting basic needs- If possible food security programs like we have in India, cheap oil for fuel and free education for School Children with meals- Distributing bicycles to school going girls and boys, scholarships- Electricity in rural areas- Things like these go a long way in battling insurgency-
 
The Americans couldn't stop the machine, so I'm unable to understand what Modi will do. Instead, I feel this 'partnership' and all these predictions are nothing more than some fluff and glitter. Anyone here remember Indian members on this forum and Indian media promising a complete end to Pakistani hostilities after Modi came into power and 'gave a befitting response' to us? Fast forward now and Kashmir is burning while Modi desperately tries to fan the flames by invoking Balochistan. :lol: Same thing will happen in Afghanistan.

Already there has been cases of Punjabi Militia dominating numbers at Kunduz

Only those with an empty space between their ears Indians would fall for such 'rumors'. Kunduz doesn't even border Pakistan :lol:
 

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