While recent peace efforts have boosted hopes for political settlement of Afghan conflict, the potential drawdown of American troops in Afghanistan has sparked new concerns. Western media quoting American officials said that US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to begin planning to withdraw 7,000 American troops, about half of all US soldiers currently in Afghanistan.
An absolute majority of Afghans want foreign troops to leave Afghanistan, but it should be done responsibly. While foreign troop presence is considered one of the main factors for the continuation of war in Afghanistan, the irresponsible withdrawal of troops can jeopardize the gains of almost two decades, and serve as a prelude to another civil war. Given the ground realities of Afghanistan, the possibility of an agreement between the Afghan sides of the conflict is higher in American presence than its absence. If half of US troops leave Afghanistan before a peace deal is struck with the Taliban, it will be a major strategic mistake. Even such announcement at this critical juncture when American diplomats led by Khalilzad are engaged in peace talks with the Taliban can have adverse effects. The West, especially the United States that has fought the so-called war on terror in Afghanistan for the last 17 years must act responsibly.
Afghanistan and all regional states want the pullout of American troops but in a way that can contribute to regional stability not so that can further fuel the fire in the region. At least for now, neither the region has become safe from the scourge of terrorism, nor are Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in a position to independently prevent their country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
All sides involved in Afghan conflict, especially Afghan leaders both within and outside the government, and even the insurgents must realize the delicacy of the situation, and therefore act responsibly. Afghanistan has paid a heavy price for its own or others’ emotional decisions, and those very mistakes should not be repeated.
