Afghan government is increasingly losing territory to the Taliban who hold sway over ever more regions since their ouster. In many districts, government control is limited to the district centers, and Afghan forces are not capable of even holding the government buildings. In addition to Wardak’s Daimirdad and Jawzjan’s Khamab districts, the Taliban captured some check posts and strategic areas in Sar-e-Pul’s center only in two days, with reports that the city is effectively on verge of collapse into the hands of militants. Moreover, there are reports that the Taliban are gearing up for a massive attack on Gardiz, the capital of southeastern Paktia province. These are only a few examples; nearly the entire country is teetering on the brink.
Despite the tense situation, containing insecurity does not seem to be a priority for the government. People from across the country are complaining that the Taliban are preparing for attacks against government institutions, yet the security apparatus fails to prevent such attacks despite warnings. Ghazni fell to the Taliban as local people had warned the government of the tragedy four months ago. In some instances, Afghan security forces remain under Taliban siege for months complaining about the situation, but Afghan helicopters and planes are busy transporting government officials and strongmen who harm the government more than they help it. In many cases, the central government not only cannot rescue its soldiers, but also fails to timely transport the dead bodies of Afghan forces. Given these hardships, how Afghan youth, who have other options for livelihood, will be willing to join Afghan forces.
The leadership of the National Unity Government has not taken any satisfactory steps to control the growing wave of insecurity despite the current threatening situation. Government leaders are still busy wrangling over sharing of government seats and political deals for the upcoming presidential race. They do not realize that if the situation is not controlled, their government may not survive until the election. In case the government falls, neither they nor the other so-called politicians will have the chance to rule the people. In the current critical situation, both the government and politicians should join hands to salvage the regime. They should either help boost the capabilities of Afghan forces by reforming their leadership and equipping them to protect the country, or put an end to the conflict through logical peace talks.
The rising trend of fall of regions to Taliban
