The peace process is in a fragile state in the country. The casualty figures among Afghans are increasing daily due to terrorist attacks and suicide bombings carried out by the Taliban militants. Currently, the security situation has deteriorated. Tenths of civilians and Afghan police persons lose their lives in these deadly acts of terror. After a decade as a nascent democratic country, it is unacceptable for Afghan people to continuously fall victim of terrorism and militancy.
Politically, Afghanistan is in a state of ambiguity. Within the last decade, no political strategies have bore fruit regarding the peace process. In spite of the country’s tireless struggles, the Taliban militants were not convinced about negotiations. Recently, with the increase of insurgencies, the country has gone deeper in the deadlock. Tensions between Kabul and Washington have compounded the confusion and challenge. The dilemma about signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) has changed into one of the most controversial issues.
Signing the security pact, which was agreed upon by consultative Loya Jirga, is still refused by President Karzai. The Afghan President has doubts about the policy of the US, accusing them of murdering Afghan civilians in their air strikes. Karzai has also asked foreign troops to stop night raids on Afghan homes since it lead to the civilian casualties. He has raised a suspicion about American’s hand in terrorist attacks – especially the famous attack on Lebanese restaurant which took the lives of more than 21 people.
Many Taliban prisoners were released in groups from Bagram prison by President Karzai’s decree. US officials consider these ex-prisoners as dangerous. This action has increased the differences between Kabul and the America. Karzai has talked about US in a strong tone. He said, “The US troops are awarding some of our people with multi-million dollars contracts and some others with bombs.”
On being challenged by a reporter about the logic of releasing these Taliban insurgents who were from Bagram prison, Mr. Karzai replied that the Bagram itself was a “Talib-making factory.”He added, “Bagram [prison] is a place where innocent people are tortured and insulted and converted into dangerous criminal.
Moreover, Dr. Spenta, the President’s National Security advisor, is also negative about American’s policy; he does not favour signing the BSA. He said that America has adopted the policy of wolf and sheep. He also criticized Pakistan accusing it of supporting Taliban militants and sending them to Afghanistan to destabilize the country. This was said a day after the statement of Sartaj Aziz, the National Security advisor of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, who said that his country will not benefit if Taliban attain in political power by force in Afghanistan. He further wished for peace and security for our country.
Karzai’s accusations made against US were denied by the American’s officials. The US Ambassador in Afghanistan said that President Karzai accuses his country after releasing the Taliban prisoners. Further, he criticized the Afghan President’s double-dealing policy towards the Taliban.
President Karzai’s spokesman said regarding the condemnation made by US officials about the release of Taliban’s prisoners that America has no right to interfere in the decision of Afghanistan.
Perhaps, to enrage the US more, 11 prisoners were released from Helmand prison and the prison terms of 58 others was decreased by President Karzai’s decree. It was done after the release of 37 Taliban prisoners out of 88 from Bagram prison.
There is proof that such released prisoners return to battlefields to fight against Afghan police and US soldiers. The death of Mulavi Abdul Rahman, who was freed from Bagram prison, in a conflict between Taliban and US-Afghan forces in Ghorband Valley of Parwan province shows this fact openly.
Releasing Taliban prisoners in a politically sensitive situation of Afghanistan is a great worry for Afghan people. Freeing the insurgents will exacerbate the security situation and lead to further civilians and Afghan police casualties. The unanswered question remains for very Afghan citizen, as to why Taliban insurgents kill innocent people?
Taliban have no mercy on children or women. According to reports, in the current solar year, 70 children including a girl were arrested in connection with terrorism. It is also said that many of the children who were used in terrorist attacks were first abused sexually in madrasahs. So why should the nation free those imprisoned Taliban who have no moral standards or humanity?
Of course, the merciless killings, children’s sexual abuse and planting bombs inside Holy Qur’an, all utter inhumanity and ignorance. Taliban, who preach Islam in words, are Islam’s inflexible enemies in practice and they are totally bereft of basic knowledge about Islam and its moral guidelines. So, is it right to free those who slaughter innocent citizens and insult our religious beliefs?
To the President Karzai’s chagrin, Abdul Rahim Wardak and Gul Agha Shirzai, the presidential candidates have said that the Afghan future president will sign the security pact. Mr. Wardak said that security pact is no matter of controversy and it should be the on the top list of any future president’s work-plan. Gul Agha Shirzai said that he is willing to sign the BSA if he wins in the election.
On the other hand, President Karzai voiced concern about signing the security pact. He has said that every president should worry about the legacy left behind. He added that he will not do something which is a disadvantage to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, White House urged the Karzai government to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement in the next few weeks, saying it did not want the deal to be delayed until after the election.
Afghan people await the upcoming presidential and provincial elections - which will make a great change in Afghanistan’ political issues. Hence, if the current government does not sign the BSA, the controversy over the security pact will soon be ended by the future government.