Afghanistan beyond 2014 I on November 21, 2013The news out of Afghanistan is of concern to us in Pakistan. The events that are unfolding point to some major changes that will have an impact on the security situation in the region. US and NATO allies plan to withdraw the majority of their forces by December 2014. The residual force will consist of […]
The endgames in Afghanistan III on October 15, 2013The present Afghan government is only in control of the main urban centres. About 70 percent of the population lives in the rural areas, many of which remain inaccessible to the government. Afghan governments without a proper moral mandate will never be able to reach the population living in remote mountains and valleys. It will […]
The endgames in Afghanistan II on October 14, 2013In February 1986, Mikhail Gorbachev addressing the 27th Party General Congress, labelled the war in Afghanistan as a “bleeding wound.” Gorbachev announced a planned withdrawal of troops. He wanted to ‘Afghanise’ the conflict and to carry out broad-based negotiations through the Afghan government for an honourable withdrawal. The Soviets wished to have a well-orchestrated withdrawal, […]
The endgames in Afghanistan I on October 13, 2013Exit from Afghanistan by the invading empires and superpower has been a rather difficult affair and at times the invaders ended up paying a heavy price. The Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th century, the Soviet occupation starting 1979 and the manner of retreat of the Soviet army during 1988-89 are being focused and studied again. […]