1. Significance of Reconciliation in Afghanistan.
- Author
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Muhammad Khan, Raja
- Subjects
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AFGHAN War, 2001-2021 , *RECOGNITION (International law) , *INTERNATIONAL relations ,SOVIET occupation of Afghanistan, 1979-1989 - Abstract
Afghanistan, a crossroads of the civilizations has been a victim of global conspiracies since centuries. In the recent history, the Soviet invasion from 1979-1989, and resultant US covert campaign to disintegrate the former, for the attainment of its strategic objective has deeply influenced the social, political and economic sphere of Afghanistan and its neighbouring Pakistan. Soviet withdrawal in 1989, followed by US hasty departure, encouraged the factional fighting and civil war like situation in the country. The situation gave way to an extremist's Government of Taliban. The Taliban rule has been ruthless, thus, could neither attain public acceptance domestically nor could win the recognition of international community. The undesired US invasion in Afghanistan, following the incident of 9/11, further destabilized the country. Despite US military invasion and campaigning to haunt the Taliban, the super power could not subdue the opposition groups in Afghanistan. After a decade of US invasion, Taliban has gone more strong and effective, thus emerged as a challenge both for Afghan administration and for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Contrary to its claims, United States has failed to gain success against Taliban and other militants. Envisioning a troubled future, the desperate super power has finally decided to reconcile with Taliban either to have an honourable exit, or else for a peaceful coexistence. The process of political engagement of Taliban has started few years back; however, it could gain currency only after the negotiations between the US representatives and Taliban in their newly established contact point in Doha, Qatar in the beginning of 2012. At home, the negotiation between Taliban and United States has frustrated President Karazai, who subsequently, invited Taliban for a direct talk. The war-torn people of Afghanistan need stability and peace in whatever form. However, for a durable peace and long-term stability in Afghanistan, an indigenous Afghan led peace process, taking on board all stakeholders in Afghanistan, supported by regional actors and United States would be extremely essential. The paper aimed at pursuing the same very theme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012