The weary war against terrorism brought with itself different sorts of influences and impacts on the lives of people in Afghanistan, South Asian region and U.S. in particular and the world in general. Even, bearing a lot of medals on its chest, this war is considered to have proved very much lethal in some other ways. The resources that have been used in this war have not been considered to have hit the bull’s eye and the very reason for which the war was started is yet to be achieved even after sixteen years, when the involved nations of the world seem to be reluctant to continue the war and deciding to drag it towards a conclusion. The most important pretexts to the war were to put an end to the terrorism in Afghanistan and help it build strong political and economic systems so that it can guarantee its survival on the modern concept of democracy. Both the pretexts are yet to be realized to full extent and the international security forces led by U.S. troops have already withdrawn. Neither the terrorist networks have been eradicated from the region, nor the political and economic systems in Afghanistan are standing on strong footings that can be left alone without much attention and support from international community.
The phenomenon of terrorism has the capacity to grow into strong position from where it is today and can really threaten the region and the world as a whole. Further, this phenomenon is no more an issue only in Afghanistan and has reached to the neighboring countries as well. Pakistan, in this regard, can be named specially. The rise of terrorism in Pakistan has had close connections with the socio-political situation in Afghanistan and even if the situation in Afghanistan is made better in terms of peace and tranquility it is bound to be effected by the changes of phenomenon of terrorism in neighboring Pakistan unless it is dealt as a regional matter. Moreover, the terrorists attacks in Pakistan is a threat by itself, as well. The threat of terrorism remains real and intact.
On the other hand the democratization of the political system in Afghanistan is still immature and needs to go a long way before it can reach to a reliable position from where it can start a journey towards real democracy that can penetrate to the grass root level and can deal with the diversity existing in the country. Further, any political agreement with Taliban still remains unattainable and do not seem very much optimistic. Include to all these concerns and ambiguities the untamed corruption in the country that has been paralyzing the governance system and has been hindering the way of the funds and supports from international community to be spent for the welfare and betterment of the common people of Afghanistan. Rather, it has been transferring the money, in some way or the other to those who, directly or indirectly support Taliban and terrorist networks in the country. International community in this regard has shown concerns on various occasions but tangible measures that can really introduce strong system of accountability are yet to be introduced. The economic system has not reached to the level of independence and serious investment and economic activities are yet to achieve confidence because of shaky situation of markets and the law and order situation.
One of the most important aspects of endeavors for a peaceful life in Afghanistan is its relations with the neighboring countries.
Currently, the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is not going on proper tracks. The current situation that has come out of the recent terrorist’s attack on Shrine in Pakistan’s Sindh province will further deteriorate the situation.
Afghan ambassador in Islamabad Hazrat Umar Zakhelwal on Saturday asked government in Kabul to shift stranded Afghan nationals in Pakistan through aircraft back to the country. Pakistan closed the crossing points with Afghanistan on Durand line after terrorist attacks in the country last month.
Zakhelwal said he met foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz over the issue and asked him to at least reopen the crossing points for people who have remained stranded.
He said he met Aziz today and demanded the reopening of the gate, adding the Pakistani official claimed the crossing points were open for people who want to go from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
Along with the cooperation and assistance of international community, the regional ties are also very important for Afghanistan to go through the transition period and to manage the affairs even after the withdrawal of international troops. Afghanistan has the challenge to maintain both and at the same time its own national interests and that is not an easy task. Therefore, Afghan authorities have to be very serious in this regard and must leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their responsibilities with iron will and determination.