British Prime Minister, David Cameron, during his recent two-day surprise visit to Afghanistan admitted the fact that the Taliban are waiting to bolster their insurgency after the NATO forces completely withdraw from here by the end of 2014. Nonetheless, he also warned the insurgent group that his country would stand behind the Afghan government for a long period beyond the withdrawal of its 9,500 strong force from Afghanistan by supporting and training Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF).

'This sends a very clear message to the Taliban: You cannot wait this out until foreign forces leave in 2014 because we will be firm friends and supporters long beyond that,' he said.

At the crucial juncture where Afghanistan is standing today, not only the Western and Afghan authorities but also certain Taliban figures believe that insurgency cannot regain Taliban power over Kabul. But no one knows what the future will bring. Historically, governments have been collapsing overnight in Afghanistan.

With the withdrawal of international troops, security and stability of Afghanistan would highly depend on the decision its government makes. However, UK's and other US allies commitments not to let Afghanistan alone for a long term behind their troops withdrawal is appreciable as Afghan people would need international support so that their country can move towards peace and stability.

Despite the pledge by the international community to continue its support for a long period, there is no need to overly optimistic about Afghanistan's future. The US, UK and other NATO allies seems quite sure that their troops will return home by 2014. Nonetheless, Afghans' concerns due to persisting menace of the growing Taliban insurgency have become manifold.

They fear that Afghanistan would fall into severe instability as it gets nearer to crucial processes such as presidential election and completion of withdrawal plan of NATO troops. Afghan government's failure in tackling issues such as rampant corruption, weak governance, extending rule of law and bringing administrative and judicial reforms has further worried the people.

Such failures if one the hand have internationally defamed the Karzai administration on the other have benefited the Taliban who are reluctant to start peace negotiation with the Afghan government and use the peace and reconciliation process as a tool to reach their own objectives.