Afghanistan and Regional Actors
Afghanistan and Regional Actors
Afghanistan and Regional Actors
Regional Actors
Brief Introduction:
Afghanistan, one of the most isolated barren landscape on
earth.
It is difficult to believe that any empire would want to
invade it, and yet it has become unlikely target and
obsession of some of the worlds greatest empires and
superpowers.
Afghanistan has a history of resistance to foreign invaders
and occupation and rightfully continues to enjoy the status
of Graveyard of Empires.
But it has always been the part of all great power rivalries
called great game.
Historical Background
History of Afghanistan is full of up-heavals; no other
country in a modern international political system
has faced more blows than that of Afghanistan.
It has experienced the ire of Alexander the Great,
Babur in 1504 took the control of Kabul, entered
into Subcontinent and established
Mughal
Dynasty.
In 19th Century - Great Game - Afghanistan became
the battle ground between Tsarist Russia and British
Empire, the first Anglo-Afghan war took place in
(1838-1842) and second in (1878-1880).
Historical Background
The modern Afghanistan won its independence on
August 8, 1919 after attacks on British Forces by
King Amanullah Khan who ruled from 1919 to 1929.
During Zahir Shahs rule - enjoyed a period of
comparative political stability and economic
prosperity that lasted till 1973 when Daoud
deposed him.
1973 coup of Daoud
Communist coup April 27, 1978 Saur Revolution
Tarakai ousted by Hafiz ul Amin in Sep 1979, illconceived reforms.
Historical Background
Soviet invasion December, 1979 Brzezinski
stinger.
UN brokered Geneva accords April 1988
USSR troops withdrawal Najeeb govt.
Step down March 17, 1992 Kabul was taken
over by Mujahedeen under Ahmed Shah
Masood.
Infighting among Mujahedeen gave way to
the emergence of Taliban 1994 regarded
Rabbani govt. as anti Pashtoon and corrupt.
Historical Background
Therefore, during the four years of Civil War
(1992-1996) they earned popular support
from the southern and eastern Afghanistan.
In November 1994 Taliban took over Qandahar
city, in September 1995, Taliban captured Herat
and imprisoned its Governor Ismail Khan.
After a series of territorial victories Taliban
eventually seized the control of Kabul in
September 1996 and ousted the Rabbani
Government.
After 9/11, Toppling Taliban regime was a universal mandate for Int.
coalition.
Stable Afghanistan has always been vital to Pakistan, but after a
decade long chaos and construction, stability in Afghanistan has
become more crucial for Pakistan; because without it, Pakistan
cannot have peace in bordering areas.
Pakistan Supports Afghan-led Afghan-owned solution of the
Afghanistan issue.
Sartaj Aziz when discussed this with Daud Ahmedzai Karzai accused
Pakistan for playing Taliban card to have a sway in Afghanistan.
Karzai has had the history of accusing Pakistan for interference, but
in reality corrupt and incompetent Karzai with his cronies took
the escape route by charging Pakistan.
stabilize
Afghanistan
with
Conclusion
Afghanistan is still far from a functioning state despite 14
years long expensive campaign by international coalition.
Bone process was seen as state itself what about the
legitimacy of the state??
Afghanistan has regional solution from within with a
power sharing mechanism.
Any solution imposed by others will be short-lived.
Taliban must be mainstreamed as political entity.
Pakistan sensitivities must be dealt in relation to
Indian footprints on Afghan soil.
China should play a larger role for cherished peace and
security.