Editorial
Rising dangers in Afghanistan
Only a government with a popular base can fight the Taliban
How dangerous a place Afghanistan continues to be has just been demonstrated yet once more. President Hamid Karzai has escaped assassination at the hands of the Taliban and that too in the capital Kabul. The incident proves the volatile nature of politics, or the lack of it, in the country. A number of global leaders have meanwhile condemned the incident and some have even lauded the brave work they believe Karzai has been doing in his country. We, like everyone else, are happy that the Afghan leader has survived the onslaught. At the same time, like everyone else, we feel that there are some intrinsic problems in or with Afghanistan that need to be handled if a semblance of normalcy is to be restored there.
The truth is inescapable, which is that everyone who believes in modern, civilised government does not want a new Talibanisation of Afghanistan. The damage that the Taliban did to their country and to themselves between 1996 and 2001 remains a fundamental reason why efforts must go on, indeed with renewed vigour, for them to be neutralised. And yet the glaring reality at present is that the Taliban have made significant inroads in various parts of Afghanistan and now appear to be in a position to take potshots at the government in Kabul. That is reason enough for worry. On the other hand, it is true that the instability in the country today is a direct result of the fact that it is under foreign occupation. The Karzai government, in place as a result of international efforts, has however never been looked upon as a symbol of popular aspirations. Indeed, for many Afghans and certainly for Taliban supporters, Karzai represents Western interests. The issue today is, therefore, not one of the efficiency of the government but of legitimacy. For Afghans, as also for others outside Afghanistan, the worsening conditions in the country are a result of the politics imposed on it.
It is now time for the global community to reconsider the options in Afghanistan. Obviously, a country where the writ of foreign occupying powers runs large cannot be expected to build the infrastructure to provide for political stability. It makes sense, therefore, to now ask that thoughts be given in world capitals to ending the foreign presence in Afghanistan and giving the country back to its people.
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