Afghanistan is fighting for its Future amid vested Interests of the World Powers
Turmoils in Afghanistan is not something new, the world powers have been using it as Battlefield since times immemorial. Afghanistan has always found itself at the crossroads of the World powers envious plans. Several tribal uprisings have also played a major role in shaping their future.
From being part of British India's forward policy as a proud reserve to countering China's influence in the South Asian Geopolitics. It has always been strategically extremely important for India. No doubt why India is so much keen on bringing World powers together to fend off the Taliban threat.
Afghanistan has a very strategic location on the world map as it provides several critical passes to the subcontinent and was part of the Ancient Silk Route.
The Russians were always interested in Afghanistan as they needed easy access to the Arabian Sea and extend their influence over the Rimland or Heartland. It is a very popular conception that one who controls the Heartland will Rule the World. The Chinese are extremely interested in the region to reinvigorate the ancient Silk route through its ambitious Belt and Road initiative and also to extend its influence over the South and Central Asia region to counter India and the US.
Pakistan has always played a key role in overthrowing regimes in Afghanistan from fighting against the Soviet Union to siding with the Taliban. Pakistan needs easy access to Europe via the Central Asia region to enhance its control over the region, improve trade and economy. Hence, they need a friendly autocratic regime in Afghanistan.
Hence now as well Pakistan is in full support of the Taliban forces, allegedly training and fighting with them. Taliban regime also means they do not have to worry about their western front and can fully focus on Kashmir with undeniable assistance from the Taliban.
What do we mean by not being worried about the Western front? In 1893, a line was drawn to divide the British and Afghan territory called The Durand Line, under the agreement between the Amir of Afghanistan and the British Indian government. Ever since Afghanistan declared their independence on 19th Aug 1919 it refused to recognise this line. Taliban is their best bet to sort this out.
A major turning point in the history of Afghanistan came in 1979 when Soviet Union set out to invade Afghanistan, to counter this US & Saudi Arabia started financing groups or activities that could help counter them on the ground. Hence several Islamic groups came up in the region.
The Soviet Union decided to retreat from Kabul in 1989 leaving a huge political void and unstable state. Eventually, the organisation that came up on top was the Taliban. In 1996, the Taliban with military support from Pakistan succeeded in seizing control of Kabul and enforced strict Islamic Sharia Laws on the territories under their control.
Taliban (They refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan) began as a Deobandi Islamic revivalist movement and military organisation primarily of students educated in traditional Islamist schools and fought during the Soviet-Afghan War. Initially, they sequestered power from the Mujahideen centred around Peshawar. They are opposed for their harsh enforcement of the Islamic Sharia Law.
Taliban has always been hostile to foreign powers trying to set up democratic government or taking control of the region. When the US sent their Soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan to protect their homeland, the Taliban waged a rigorous war for 20 years on them. There were several thousand casualties but the real burnt has been borne by the local Afghanis who want peace and freedom to create and make use of the opportunities to develop. The US eventually pulled out citing the huge loss of life and financial resources leaving Afghanistan on its own to fight for its future.
What do we mean by fighting for their Future?
Democracy as observed on numerous occasions does give voice to the people, help set up a stable government and leads to the overall development of the Nation. The current Afghan government disregard for their capabilities or track record does give some hope for a stable government where people can express themselves, or set out to achieve something and take themselves forward and eventually their country forward but not by paralysing themselves by confining Women to their homes.
This is where the future of Afghanistan is in question as the Taliban will certainly abrogate basic rights for Women and will disregard basic human rights as well. Even if the Taliban is successful in taking control of the country, given their Ideology they will not be able to sustain themselves for long and will take the Nation in the direction opposite to where they must intend to go.
Overexploitation from the powers with vested interests will not let them progress at free will and even if they do assist, that will be at a huge price. China intends to support the Taliban and build Infrastructure keeping in mind the geopolitical strategies.
Conclusion- For the Afghan forces and their people it's about Peace, progress and freedom from the frequent turmoils. As of now, their best chance is the current Afghan government which is fighting for its survival. Taliban wants to push it into Isolation.
Before they are subjugated, major powers should come forward and help them overcome this hurdle keeping their vested Interests out of the Window making this World a better place to live.
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