At least seven people are reported to have been killed in a bomb explosion inside a house in Helmand province. The victims are said to be six women and a young man. There are conflicting reports on the causes of the incident- that is to say- the explosion occurred when a rocket impacted the house but another account suggests that the incident happened as a result of explosion of bombs kept by a member of the family who is associated with Taliban militants.
The ongoing trend is worrisome. Over the last one week, there have been many violent protests in the country. The protests are fueled by destructive elements that do not want a peaceful Afghanistan. The violent protests caused many deaths and destruction in different provinces.
Two foreign mentors were killed in the Ministry of Interior Affairs, which is responsible for maintaining law and order. The shocking deaths of foreign officers led to pullout of foreign advisors from Afghan ministries and government agencies.
Though it is said to be on temporary basis, it shows a deep concern that foreign forces-military and civilian- are not safe in working with and helping their Afghan partners. Hitting those who are advising creates an environment of fear and distrust. Earlier French soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier, which precipitated the withdrawal of French forces from the country.
Foreign deaths inside the ministry of interior affairs have also prompted discussions and debates about the need for early pullout of international forces from Afghanistan. It is clear cut that foreign forces will go be back home and get rid of a lingering and troublesome mission but it is Afghanistan that could decline into chaos and will be rendered vulnerable again to interferences by hostile neighbors that define their national interests- security, political and economic- in a destabilized and insecure Afghanistan.
Afghanistan could be easily left on its own by international community if they continue to suffer in the hand of their Afghan partners. International community is not so naïve to be willing to continue to give blood and treasure.
Their pullout will be catastrophic for Afghanistan. They could tighten their security measures back at home. Another odd thing is the arrest of some government officials charged with spying for Iran and Pakistan and sharing secret information about the political processes in the country with the intelligence services of the two neighboring countries.