It is the Taliban that has momentum right now in Afghanistan
as it has gained control of more territories than ever in its history.
According to Taliban’s own claims, nearly 85% of Afghanistan is under its
control including key border intersections with Iran and Turkmenistan.
The claim surfaced after the US pulled out 90% of its
troops in the war-torn country. USA plans to withdraw all troops from
Afghanistan by August-end. The Pentagon said blames the civilian leadership
rather than the capabilities of the country’s military for the group’s
progress.
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“We’re certainly watching with deep concern the
deteriorating security situation and the violence, which is, of course, way too
high, and the advances and the momentum that the Taliban seems to have right
now,” the Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News.
Civilian government left to fend for itself
US troops are leaving Afghanistan after staying in the
country for two decades. Ever since US President Joe Biden made the
announcement about US troop withdrawal, the country has been torn apart by
violence.
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While the civilian government in Afghanistan has much
more firepower now, they aren’t proving equal to the task of defending against
the Taliban.
What happens once US leaves?
Western analysts are of the opinion that Kabul could fall
to Taliban six months to a year after the US withdraws all its troops. Only 650
US troops are expected to remain in Afghanistan to provide security to
diplomats, reports Times of India. The US has reportedly issued 2,500 special
immigrant visas to allow Afghans to go to America.
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Meanwhile, the US has also pledged to support Afghanistan
financially, logistically and in aircraft maintenance post withdrawal.
What’s India’s place in this crisis?
Once the US completely gives up responsibility of
Afghanistan and declares that Afghan people alone should decide their future,
India will be in a tough spot. While India has supported US-backed Kabul for
years, it is unclear what its foreign policy will be if Kabul falls to Taliban.
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India is working overtime to ensure that Pakistan does
not hold sway over Afghanistan’s future. This, aside from creating immense
geopolitical problems, will also put India’s investments in Afghanistan at risk.