The security situation in the country has reached to an alarming position after Taliban have been successful in taking control of the northern Kunduz city. Taliban launched a massive and well coordinated attack at around 3 am on Monday morning and by the evening they had taken control of the most parts and buildings of the city. They were able to close off the only four access points into the city – effectively preventing troops from entering and civilians from fleeing. Some reports state that hundreds of Taliban members split up into groups and carried out the coordinated attack.

According to some news reports the militants have also been able to close the airport road. Heavy fighting has been ongoing throughout the day and so far Taliban have seized the provincial council building, the offices of the local High Peace Council, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) building, UNAMA offices and other key official facilities including private banks.

Officials also reported that the Taliban have over run the local prison and freed all prisoners.

Reports indicate that heavy fighting continues around the police headquarters and the provincial governor’s office.

This piece of news has basically disclosed the nature of the security that government has been able to provide to the people. With each passing day, there are more security threats and the level of uncertainty about the future seems to be rising. Though war against terrorism was initiated in Afghanistan with the ambition to bring peace and prosperity, there are no clear indications of this ambition being transformed to reality. 

A recent survey conducted by TOLO news clearly depicted that the security threats increased by 13 percent in August this year as compared to July. 1,089 terror and anti-terror events were recorded during August with 13 percent of the events similar to the events that were recorded during July. The month of September has not been better as well and now Taliban have been able to capture an entire city, which is really threatening.

In addition, there are also reports of different districts in different parts of the country falling to Taliban. The advances of Taliban in different parts of the country have reached to new levels during the year.

By looking at the security situation one has no other choice but to question the real outcomes of the war against terrorism that was started after the 9/11 incident. War against terrorism has completed 13 years and the international forces seem in a hurry to end up the war and most of them have already withdrawn their forces. The war is considered to have reached to a decisive position and the international community now thinks that Afghan forces and authorities are capable enough to take over the responsibility of the security of their country.

There are some who are very much optimistic about the result of this ‘transition’ but at the same time, there are some others who believe that many concerns are yet to be dealt with. Above all, they consider the war against terrorism not to have reached to a decisive position as the terrorism and terrorist networks are yet to be defeated and there are great chances that they may get stronger if the war is left at this particular position. Further, the ongoing situation of peace and tranquility also suggest that there are many things to be done before the victory is considered decisive.

Keeping in mind the concerns regarding the capabilities of Afghan security forces and the strengthening terrorist networks the feared situation is quite possible. The other major issues which remain ambiguous after 13 years of the efforts include the prevailing instability in the country regarding the political and economic systems. Both of them stand on shaky foundations and suffer from a trend of uncontrollable and ever increasing difficulties. It is really difficult to build reliable expectations except the support of international community.

Moreover, the regional dissatisfaction and ambiguities are also increasing about the war. Afghanistan’s neighboring countries do not see eye to eye with the US authorities regarding the war and it prospects and their relations with Afghanistan face fluctuations time and again.

Keeping in mind the present scenario in Afghanistan and the region, it can be safely said that if this war is not be termed as ‘unnecessary’ and ‘evil’, it can be termed as ‘indecisive’ for the time being. Definitely, there is more to be done to take this war towards conclusion. A proper conclusion of the war means defeating the enemy or reaching to some sort of agreement with the opposing forces, which at the present scenario are Taliban. Unfortunately, neither Taliban have been defeated completely, nor the reconciliation process with Taliban is on the track and heading towards a certain future. Taliban at the moment have opted for more aggression and they do not seem in a position to come to negotiation table.

There have been many sacrifices to achieve positive outcomes from the war against terrorism; these sacrifices should not go in vain and Afghanistan should be supported so that it can stand strong with dignity against disorder and terrorism. At the same time, the Afghan government and authorities must also strive to do their best in fulfilling their responsibilities and must endeavor to guide the nation towards lasting peace and tranquility.